Chapter 83 – The Heir Of Flame And Moonlight

The royal chamber in the upper tower of the Silver Spire was bathed in morning light. Sunlight filtered through crystal-paned windows, casting warm amber patterns across the stone floor and velvet tapestries bearing the sigil of the Flame Crown. For the first time in generations, a new High Queen had been anointed—and the realm itself seemed to breathe in anticipation. Selene stood before the wide mirror framed in silver and ironwood, one hand resting gently on her lower belly. Her eyes were distant, fixed on the faint curve that was beginning to show beneath the layers of her ceremonial gown. The child inside her stirred again—not a kick, not yet—but a flutter of warmth, as if sensing her thoughts.