The explosion rocked the chamber, flinging dust, stone, and metal into the air. Alexander threw his body over Isabella, shielding her from the brunt of the blast. Elias rolled behind a console, already typing furiously to override the security breach.
Flames licked the corridor. Renwick's silhouette emerged—flanked by armored soldiers, their visors glowing faintly red. Not mercenaries. Not even human. Enhanced. Bred and built for one purpose: obedience to the King.
Isabella rose to her feet, bleeding from her temple, fire reflecting in her eyes.
"Hold them off!" she yelled. "I'm waking her."
Alexander raised his weapon and fired, taking down the first two with precision. Elias sent a jolt through the floor grid, shorting out the enhancements in half the enemy unit. Sparks burst as several fell twitching.
Renwick didn't flinch.
He stepped through the chaos like a god through flame.
"You think waking her will save you?" he growled. "Cassia was strong, yes—but she chose to die for her beliefs. You still don't know what you believe in, Isabella."
Isabella ignored him. Her hands moved over the control panel of the stasis pod. Unlock sequence initiated.
The cryo-tank hissed. Steam poured out as ancient hydraulics groaned open.
Inside, her mother lay suspended—pale, gaunt, but intact. A golden circuit circled her temple like a crown. Her eyes fluttered.
"Mom…" Isabella whispered, voice cracking. "It's me."
Cassia's eyes opened—slowly, disoriented, and then focused sharply on her daughter.
"You found me."
And then she sat up—just as Renwick lunged.
The Fight for Legacy
Cassia's hand shot out, pulsing with energy. A blast of psychic force threw Renwick across the chamber. He crashed into a steel beam, dazed but alive.
"Cassia Veyne," he hissed. "The ghost queen returns."
Cassia turned to Isabella. "You were never meant to carry this burden alone."
Isabella's lips trembled. "Then help me end it."
Cassia stood, weak but radiating presence. "Let's burn his kingdom down."
Renwick rose, snarling. "Then come for it. But you won't like what you find in the ashes."