Page 69

“Through blood, bone, and crystal, the marked son will breathe life anew unto the deadened lands of darkness,” Driskell repeated the ending of the prophecy.

Half of his long, white hair was pulled back into elaborate braids, and his eyes looked crazed with euphoria.

“The prophecy has been fulfilled thanks to you all. Especially the Alcreon Light Bearer and the Marked Son. This is a celebration of life, and the healing of Luneth. We have much to be thankful for.”

Gentle music played as people mingled and shared fond memories.

I spotted Pia and Xala talking with Callum and a few other Viltarran soldiers.

My eyes scanned over to Thaydril. He was dressed in an indigo robe and was talking to Leer.

The clean-cut bladesmith looked equal parts intimidated and intrigued.

My gaze darted to Ven as I heard him recount war stories to Takoda and Alvar. The healer looked appalled, while the war captain beamed with pride. And through the sea of faces, I saw Rayal and Dyani walking toward me, followed by a shimmering bird.

Ekee’s gaze was locked on Keeli as he flew right towards her, and my heart skipped a beat as she darted behind my legs.

Ekee fanned his tail in an elaborate display, and Keeli peeked her head around my leg. The male gracefully soared around her, then dove in impressive circles and swoops. His feathers glinted in the moonlight as he performed for her, but Keeli was wary.

The male changed tactics and disappeared into the trees. He returned a moment later with a morsel of food clutched in his bill. More interested now, Keeli reached her beak towards him and snatched his offering.

She gulped down her treat and chirped, finding Ekee’s display and gift suitable. Their necks intertwined like swans on a lake .

Their bond had formed, and my heart soared.

“He was smoother than you were, Rowen,” Dyani said with a playful nudge. “You almost messed up your chances with the Alcreon Light Bearer. How embarrassing.”

“Don’t I know it. I’ll have to take notes,” Rowen said with a chuckle as the birds took off into the air, flying around each other like helical comets.

“Looks like we play matchmaker well,” Rayal said, her eyes reflecting the light of the starwings. The queen wore pants and a shirt with a gold diadem on her head.

“Thank you for bringing him home,” I said as we hugged. “By the way, according to the deal I made with Aedris, my body is technically pledged to you.”

Dyani and Rowen stiffened as the queen laughed. “I release you from your oath. Your body is yours and no one else’s,” she said with her full authority, and I felt something within me shift.

“Thank you,” I said, noticing a pack slung over Dyani’s shoulder. “Going somewhere?” I asked with a grin.

“I didn’t get to fully take in the sights at Hara’dune,” she replied, hoisting the pack with her lean arms that gleamed with Demil’s silver armbands.

Rayal smiled as she took the warrior’s hand in hers. “Is it all right if I steal your best warrior?”

“Second best warrior,” Rowen said with a wry smile.

Dyani punched him in the arm. “Let’s settle this once and for all. How many demons did you slay on the battlefield?”

Rowen huffed in disgust. “I don’t count.”

“Yes, you do,” she rebutted.

“Fine,” Rowen admitted. “Two hundred and fifty-two.”

“Aha! That proves it. I killed over three hundred. And that was after I released my brother from Erovos’ darkness. Believe it or not, I didn’t count that one. ”

Rowen’s smile faded. “I’m so sorry you had to do that, Dyani.”

“Don’t go soft on me now, Damascus. Just promise me you’ll both come to visit,” she said, her dark eyes darting between me and my soul flame.

“We will, I prom—” Before I could finish the sentence, Dyani pulled me into a fierce embrace.

I hugged her back, not wanting to let go of the warrior who once hated me but was now my dearest friend.

“I knew you wouldn’t have to battle the world alone,” I whispered in her ear, remembering the words she had spoken to me on our first mission with the Ever-burn blades.

She squeezed me tighter before releasing me and quickly wiped her eyes.

“We both have so much to rebuild,” I said to the queen. “But we don’t have to do it alone. Let us help and be there for each other. Let’s not repeat the mistakes of the rulers before us.”

“Spoken like a true lady and the bearer of the Alcreon Light,” Rayal replied as she squeezed my hand. Boisterous laughter caught her attention, and her eyes snapped to Thaydril and Leer. “I couldn’t agree more, but now we must go before my cousin scars that young man.”

We shared a final laugh and finished our goodbyes. And I watched as the queen and her warrior walked away hand in hand, their joined silhouettes disappearing into the crowd.

With a smile on my face, my gaze darted back to the birds dancing in the sky.

Erovos had nearly driven the starwings to extinction, along with countless other species, leaving wounds that might never heal. The devastation he caused would be felt for generations, but the first steps to healing the vibrant world of Luneth had only just begun.