(Elena's POV)
All the massive iron gates are officially closed, locking tight with a heavy, metallic thunk. The entire empire is officially locked down, about to be sealed inside a colossal magical barrier.
Outside the high walls, the wind has completely shifted. The initial gusts have turned into violent, howling gales that rattle the reinforced glass of the palace windows. The air itself feels heavy, charged with a terrifying amount of static energy.
I stand by the large open window of my palace wing, pulling a thick cloak around my shoulders as the chilly air whips my red hair around my face. Down at the very center of the empire, at the highest spire, Big Brother Lucian must be stepping out onto the ritual platform. He is about to cast the shield any second now.
