Elvis Raymond hurried back to the Golden Palace with news of Annan's presence in the city, but his father's personal guards stopped him outside.
"You're barring even me?"
The Gold Armor Personal Guards said, "Young Master Elvis, the Grand Lord is receiving a guest. No one may enter without his orders."
"A guest?"
"Bishop Hogsius arrived just now."
Elvis Raymond had no choice but to wait patiently outside the Palace.
A vast flock of crows suddenly appeared on the horizon. They rose between Golden City and the mountains like a black cloud, circling overhead like an omen of the end.
Elvis Raymond was still wondering what they meant when the ground lurched beneath his feet. The paving stones of the Golden Palace Square buckled, and countless ratfolk burst from the caverns below like water from a fountain.
The same scene unfolded across Golden City. Urgent bells rang out everywhere at once.
"Damn ratfolk! They really are under the Golden Palace too!" the Gold Armor Personal Guards cursed under his breath. "Young Master Elvis, stay here!"
"Everyone, with me! Clear out the Rat Tide. Don't let these filthy creatures disturb the Grand Lord!"
He led the guards toward the ratfolk gathering into a tide across the Square.
Elvis Raymond hurriedly pushed open the doors to warn his father about the Ratfolk Invasion—
But when he opened them, Elvis Raymond froze in the doorway. Apart from him, the Palace was empty.
"Father?"
His call echoed through the Palace. Outside, battle cries rose amid flashes of magic. Elvis Raymond stared at the empty Throne, his eyes growing feverish.
Walking across the carpet of gold beneath his feet, Elvis Raymond climbed the Steps. The closer he came to the Throne, the faster he breathed.
He shut out the sounds outside. With nothing but the