SEVENTY THREE: Strange Timing for a Kiss

"Well, well. It looks like I'm a little late to the party."

Kel recognized the voice immediately.

The attention that she had drawn with her fiery spectacle became scattered as the Dragon Emperor strode nonchalantly into Mevani's royal hall.

After him, dozens of Serin soldiers rushed in, effortlessly subduing the rogues and knights alike. If any of them noticed the pile of rubble and strange hole in the ceiling, they ignored it. Their fear of their leader must have been stronger than their curiosity.

The scene hadn't escaped the Emperor's interest, however.

With his brow furrowed, he marched directly into the heart of the debris without so much as brushing against any of the strewn jagged blocks.

Kel let out a tiny gasp as his black boots came to a stop in front of her.

She was still crouched close to the floor, somehow unable to muster the will to push herself back to her feet.