The roar of the crowd still echoed in Ethan/Lucian's ears, a cacophony of disbelief and outrage. General Marcus, now thoroughly exposed, snarled insults as he was dragged away, his carefully constructed facade of loyalty shattered, revealing the venomous ambition beneath. But the victory felt hollow, coated in the bitter ash of Marcus's parting shot: the accusation of treason levelled squarely at Lucian Thorne.