Months later…
Aetheria began to heal.
No shadows.
No war.
No crown.
Kaela stood on a hill, wind flowing through her hair.
No glowing eyes.
No darkness.
Just her.
Ryven stood beside her.
"What are you now?" he asked.
Kaela smiled.
"Not a queen."
She looked at the rising sun.
"Just someone who chose her own destiny."
Ryven took her hand.
And this time—
There was no fear.