Chapter 18: Three Queens, Three Thrones — The Rise of Sovereigns
> "Power given is power tested. Prove to me you're more than my shadows."
—Bella Snow
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• Location: Tower of Veiled Truth — Capital of Aria's Dominion
The cold shimmer of twilight lit the silver walls of the Tower of Veiled Truth. Here, espionage had become religion, and illusion was law. Aria stood on a dais of polished shadowglass, her masked eyes watching streams of information float through the air — intercepted magical reports, stolen prophecies, enemy troop positions.
The oath to Bella still burned on her palm — a red sigil, pulsing with Abyssal flame.
> [Tower Intel: Orc movement detected in the eastern gorge] [Update: Two emissaries from Nether-Eyes request audience]
Aria narrowed her eyes.
"Let the emissaries speak. Prepare a ghost unit to tail them."
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• Location: Crimson Spire — Fortress of Fire and War
Lyra's domain burned brightly. The Crimson Spire, half citadel, half volcano, roared with energy. Training grounds were packed with Minotaurs clashing, Ifrits tempering weapons in flame, and Reptari strategists drawing battle formations.
Lyra cracked her knuckles, looking down from the war balcony.
> [Defense Report: Orc scouts eliminated in Zone D32] [Forge Core: 89% Complete — Soul-Bound Cannons available in 3 days]
"They want war? Good. Let them come. We'll give them ashes."
She raised her sword to the sky. A roar echoed from 20,000 warriors below.
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• Location: Moonspire of Mercy — Garden of Moonlight
Celene walked barefoot across a moonlit garden where healing flowers bloomed and songbirds carried psionic prayers. Her people called her the Moon Queen now. She sat before the Fountain of Reflection where dream-visions could be summoned.
> [Sister-Report: Aria requests alliance of fate]
[Sister-Report: Lyra demands reinforcement spells and berserker purging rituals]
[Sister-Report: Bella has summoned the World Serpent. Myth slot 5 now in progress.]
Celene smiled gently.
"I see the stars shifting. Even the heavens move for her."
Then she frowned.
> [Divine Warning: A child with silver blood will betray one of the thrones]
She whispered, "So it begins..."
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• Location: Abyss Castle — Throne of Obsidian Echoes
Bella stood at her war map. Three empires flourished beneath her — and the Orc Devourer King loomed beyond the horizon.
She reached into the system and called forth an ancient name.
> [Myth Beast Summon: World Serpent — Status: Dormant] [Unlocking Myth Contract: 'Ouroboros the Cycle-Breaker']
The skies shook. A storm formed at the edge of the world.
Bella narrowed her eyes.
"To raise queens, I must break the gods."
She turned to the mirror throne.
"Show me the Devourer King's current location."
> [Scan Active…] [Location: Burning through the lowlands of Targan — 5 minor kingdoms already consumed. Destination projected: Crimson Spire]
She whispered, "Let's see if Lyra holds."
Then to herself, more coldly:
"And if not… I will raise another."