First Prince Loriel stood with a smug grin, his small yet supposedly elite force gathered around him. His confidence radiated through the grand hall, his voice dripping with arrogance as he addressed Layla and her companions.

"Do you truly think you can challenge me with this pitiful group?" Loriel sneered, his eyes scanning them dismissively. "My men are the best, trained to perfection. Flies like you are no match for us."

Layla sighed, her patience wearing thin. She had no time for his bravado. Turning slightly, she issued a calm but firm command, "Luna, stop their attacks."

At her words, a low rumble reverberated through the palace, causing everyone to pause. From the shadows, Luna emerged, her magnificent form taking shape in the dim light.

The dragon's presence was overwhelming, her scales shimmering with an ethereal glow, her eyes gleaming with intelligence and power. The sight of Luna left the soldiers awestruck, their weapons lowering instinctively as they stared in wonder.

Even First Prince Loriel, who moments ago was brimming with confidence, stood frozen, his expression a mix of disbelief and awe.

Eighth Prince Alderic, who had been watching silently, let out a soft chuckle. "I knew it," he murmured, shaking his head. "It had to be a dragon."

While the room stood still, captivated by Luna's presence, only Adam and Rossette moved with purpose.

Taking advantage of the distraction, they made their way swiftly to the world tree at the end of the hall. The ancient tree towered above them, its branches sprawling like a guardian over the throne room, its presence commanding respect and reverence.

Adam approached the tree, his heart pounding with anticipation. He reached out, his fingers grazing the bark.

The world tree seemed to respond immediately, a soft light emanating from its core, enveloping Adam in a warm glow. The room filled with a gentle hum, the tree acknowledging Adam's touch, resonating with his very essence.

The moment was profound, a recognition by the world tree that Adam was the rightful heir, the next emperor. Its approval was undeniable, a silent but powerful declaration of his legitimacy.

It wasn't until the light from the world tree dimmed that First Prince Loriel snapped out of his daze. His eyes widened in horror as he processed what had happened. "No!" he roared, lunging forward, but it was too late. Adam had already been chosen, his bond with the world tree solidified.

"Impossible," Loriel muttered, his voice trembling with disbelief. "This cannot be."

Layla stepped forward, her gaze sharp as she addressed him. "It's over, Loriel. The world tree has spoken, and you cannot deny its will."

Loriel's face contorted with rage and desperation. "You think this is over?" he spat. "I will not accept this. You will all pay for this treachery!"

Alderic, standing calmly beside Layla, shook his head. "You've lost, brother. The world tree's decision is final, and no force you muster can change that."

Loriel's soldiers, once standing proudly by his side, now looked unsure, their faith in their leader shaken by the undeniable power of the world tree's judgment. The room was heavy with the weight of the moment, the balance of power having shifted irrevocably.

Layla turned to Adam, a hint of pride in her voice. "You've done it, Adam. You're the next emperor."

Adam nodded, his gaze steady, though the gravity of the situation was not lost on him. "This is just the beginning," he said quietly. "There's much work to be done."

First Prince Loriel's face twisted in disbelief and fury as he watched the world tree glow, confirming Adam as the next emperor. His mind raced, unable to process the reality that his carefully laid plans had unraveled in mere moments. The authority he had clung to now felt like sand slipping through his fingers.

"This cannot be!" Loriel bellowed, his voice echoing through the grand hall. His eyes darted around, searching for a way to regain control. "Guards! Detain them at once! Seize Adam and his traitorous companions!"

The guards exchanged uneasy glances, their hands gripping their weapons, but none moved. The glow of the world tree, still faintly illuminating Adam, acted as a silent testament to his newfound status. To defy it would be to defy the will of the world tree itself—a sacrilege none of them dared commit.

"Did you not hear me?" Loriel's voice cracked with desperation. "Arrest them!"

One of the guards, visibly shaken, stepped forward hesitantly. "Your Highness, the world tree has spoken. It... it would be treason to go against its will."

Loriel's face darkened, veins bulging on his temples as he clenched his fists. His pride and authority were slipping away, and his frustration boiled over. "Cowards!" he spat. "If you won't act, then I'll handle them myself!"

Before Loriel could take a step, a shadow loomed over him, and with a powerful thud, Luna landed behind him, her immense form blocking his path. She lowered her head, her eyes gleaming with a fierce intensity. With a swift motion, Luna's massive paw pressed Loriel to the ground, pinning him down effortlessly. He struggled beneath her weight, but it was futile.

"Release me!" Loriel shouted, his voice muffled against the marble floor. "This is treason!"

Adam stepped forward, his demeanor calm but commanding. "It's over, Loriel," he said firmly. "The world tree has chosen. Your time is done."

The guards, seeing their prince subdued and hearing the resolute tone in Adam's voice, lowered their weapons completely. The tension that had hung thick in the air dissipated, replaced by a new, unspoken allegiance.

"Guards," Adam addressed them with newfound authority, "take First Prince Loriel into custody. He will be held accountable for his actions. Also, summon the rest of the imperial family. They need to witness what has transpired here."

The guards hesitated only for a moment before snapping to attention. They moved swiftly, shackling Loriel, who continued to thrash and shout, though his defiance was now a hollow echo in the grand hall.

As Loriel was led away, Adam turned to Layla, Rossette, and Eighth Prince Alderic. "We need to secure the palace and ensure that the transition of power is smooth. The people must see that this is a new beginning."

Layla nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "We've taken the first step, but there's more to be done."