The moon hung low in the ink-black sky, casting a veil of secrecy over the land. The air was thick with anticipation, as if the very essence of destiny crackled through the atmosphere. The palace, once a bastion of tranquility, now stood shrouded in darkness, oblivious to the tumultuous events about to unfold within its walls.

As the clock struck midnight, the world held its breath, unaware of the impending storm.