The Shadow King felt it.
The Eclipse had stirred.
Alisha stood before the Moonstone, hands trembling—not in fear, but resolve.
"I won't repeat the past," she said softly. "I won't be blind."
The Emperor watched her silently.
Rowan bowed his head.
Caelan clenched his fists.
Outside, the moon dimmed slightly.
Far away, ancient eyes opened.
The Shadow King smiled.
"The game begins," he whispered.
And at the center of it all—
stood a girl who refused to choose only light.