The riots began at dawn.

  Atmas surged into marketplaces, temples, homes. Panic spread faster than flame. Soldiers struggled to hold formation as spectral claws passed through armor and froze men where they stood.

  Malrec declared martial law before noon.

  “Contain the spirits,” he ordered. “Execute those who harbor them.”

  Fear became policy.

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  Arin watched from a balcony as smoke coiled through the streets.

  “This isn’t control,” he said. “It’s terror.”

  Malrec did not look away from the city.

  “Terror is often the first step toward survival.”

  Another tremor shook the palace.

  Deep below, one of the radiant chains cracked audibly.

  Kael felt it from across the city.

  The first seal was weakening.

  And it would not be repaired by decree.