As Gray and the others entered the grand throne room, the atmosphere immediately shifted. The large, ornately decorated chamber seemed to amplify every small sound, the soft clinking of armor from the guards, the faint echo of footsteps on the marble floors. At the far end, seated upon their majestic thrones, sat King Almiro and Queen Elara. Their faces were shadowed, darkened with unreadable expressions. Gray felt a familiar wave of anxiety rush over him, his eyes wide as he stood still, trying to mentally prepare for whatever was about to come.