Wait

He doesn't fail to notice how many make their way through the hall of the temple as they wait. Watching the pale Emperor-to-be. Watching the empty ring of scorched stone.

He doesn't want to think how it might go, if the one they watch for finally fails to return. Such a slim hope to hang a world upon.

He doesn't fail to notice how many hands close on swords when the air rips wide open. He almost fails to notice the figure who appears within that blackened ring. The amulet in her hand draws all eyes like flame.