Echoes of the Crown

Location: Royal Archives, Northern Tavara

Victor Kane's boots echoed off the marble floors as he moved deeper into the restricted wing of the Royal Archives. Dust hovered in the cold light streaming through the stained glass. Behind him trailed Lucas, his quiet and ever-loyal aide, carrying an encrypted scroll case.

"This section hasn't been accessed in decades," Lucas said. "Even the Queen's Guard avoids it."

Victor gave a small nod. "Because they fear what's buried here."

They approached a sealed door marked with an ancient sigil—one not of Tavara, but of the Kane Dominion's ancestral seat. Victor placed his palm against the panel. The sigil lit up, then dissolved.

The heavy stone door ground open, revealing a room lined with scrolls, relics, and a single floating crystal orb—pulsing with faint golden light.

Victor approached it cautiously.

"Is that—?" Lucas began.

Victor answered without turning. "The Echo Crown's memory core. It holds the decisions of every Kane ruler for the past six centuries."

He touched the orb. It shimmered, and voices flooded the room—confessions, decrees, secrets. One voice overpowered the others.

"He who awakens the Crown must bear the burden of all who failed before him."

Victor flinched, eyes narrowing. "I'm not here to repeat their mistakes. I'm here to correct them."

The orb pulsed faster, accepting his intent. A sigil formed beneath his feet—an ancient crown made of serpents and flame.

---

Location: Kane Estate, Tavara Outskirts

Nora stood by the tall window of her study, watching the distant hills where scouts had just reported a growing presence of mercenary forces—ones not loyal to any known family.

She tightened her robe and turned to one of her most trusted operatives, Jalen.

"Send word to Elara. The forces on the southern front aren't just mercs. They're trained in ancient southern arts—the same that wiped out the Dauntless."

Jalen's face paled. "You think they're here for her?"

Nora nodded. "And for whatever she awakened in that Citadel. We can't let them reach her first."

---

Location: Secret Monastery, Highland Peaks

Elara knelt before an old monk, his body frail but his aura blinding.

"You carry the flame," he whispered. "But you are not yet fire."

She bowed her head. "Then teach me."

The monk smiled faintly. "You don't need my teachings. You need your memories."

With a wave of his hand, mist enveloped her. Visions surged—her mother's final moments, a battlefield soaked in flame, a throne room shattered by betrayal.

She gasped, falling forward. But her eyes were alight with newfound clarity when she rose.

"I remember everything now."

---

Location: Oceanic Border, Tavara Coastline

Damien stood at the helm of a warship flanked by two others, watching the horizon as black sails cut through the fog.

A call came through the comms. "Unidentified fleet approaching fast. Orders?"

Damien's voice was as sharp as the wind. "Prepare for engagement. And alert Nora—this is no ordinary invasion."