The kingdom of Nacrifa did not sleep that night.
Not truly.
Even after the monstrous roar beyond the barrier faded into the mountains once more…
fear lingered.
It settled over the capital like invisible frost.
The streets remained unusually quiet beneath the crimson moonlight.
The taverns closed early.
The palace guards doubled patrols around the royal grounds.
And whispers spread through every noble estate in the kingdom.
About the creature.
About the awakening.
About Sebastian.
Especially Sebastian.
Inside the royal palace—
the throne court had finally emptied after hours of tension and political maneuvering.
But the heaviness remained carved into the palace walls themselves.
Servants moved cautiously.
Nobles avoided unnecessary conversation.
And no one dared speak too loudly whenever Sebastian passed nearby.
Because after what happened in the throne room—
after the darkness that reacted to his emotions—
everyone had begun realizing something terrifying.
