The air in the main room was thick with tension.
Lady Cassandra stood near the tall throne of Yenissa, her arms crossed, her dark hair flowing down her back like a queen's banner. Her eyes were fixed on Christina—her daughter—who stood in the middle of the room beside Shennong. The young woman's eyes were filled with confusion and concern.
Romina, Rilith, and Velara were all nearby, quiet but watchful. Everyone could feel it. Something was about to happen.
"Mother?" Christina asked, her voice shaky as she walked quickly toward Cassandra. "What's going on? What are we doing here? What is this place?"
Shennong followed close behind her, his face serious. He didn't say a word at first.
Cassandra narrowed her eyes and looked at Shennong. "What is happening?" she asked. "Why did you ask me to come here? And why do you look like that, love?"
Shennong met her gaze.
"It's happening," he said slowly. "Finally… it's happening."
