Chapter 177 Epilogue

Chapter 177 Epilogue

Serafina

Autumn had returned to the Cursed Forest.

Golden leaves drifted through the cool afternoon air, settling upon a small grave beneath the ancient trees.

A simple stone marked the place.

Blink

Faithful Friend.

Forever Family.

Two small children knelt before it.

The little boy with dark hair wiped his eyes with the sleeve of his tunic. "I'll miss you, Blink," he sobbed.

Beside him, a little girl with fiery red hair quietly laid a bundle of wildflowers upon the grave.

I stood behind them, tears silently tracing my cheeks.

Without a word, Azerath slipped an arm around my shoulders and drew me close.

Neither of us spoke. Some losses needed no words.

Years had passed since the fall of Vaelric.

Lio now ruled as Emperor of Aetherion. At his side stood Ryven, who had become his trusted steward, while General Kraven commanded the Imperial Army with Aldo, Helga, and Jehan leading its finest legions.

The Academy flourished once more under Andreas, Elowen, Ysoria, and Veylorn, welcoming students from every kingdom.

Azerath, no longer a dragon but still respected by all, served as the Emperor's Imperial Advisor.

Across the seas, Arcanis had also begun to heal.

Elyndra ruled as its Dark Princess. Beside her stood her husband, Kier, while Florian faithfully served as her steward.

For the first time in generations, Aetherion and Arcanis were allies instead of enemies.

Peace had finally taken root.

During the reconstruction, Aetherion's four districts became two. Ember welcomed the people of Spark, while Coal opened its gates to those who had once called Dust home. Old borders disappeared, but no one was left without a place to belong.

The kingdom itself mirrors its history—from ashes, only what is essential remains.

A soft rustle came from the trees.

Everyone turned.

The Alpha Wolf stepped from the shadows. Age had silvered his muzzle, but his amber eyes remained as watchful as ever.

Something small padded behind him.

A tiny black wolf pup. The little creature hesitated before nudging against the Alpha's foreleg.

The old wolf lowered his head. "She lost her mother," he said quietly. His gaze settled upon me. "She needs a family."

I nodded and knelt. Opening my satchel, I took out a whole roasted chicken. I tore off a small piece for the pup and offered the rest to the Alpha wolf.

After eating, the little pup cautiously approached me before climbing into my lap. Its bright eyes studied me for a moment.

Then it licked my hand.

A tear slipped down my cheek as I smiled.

"I think..." I whispered. "...I know exactly what to call you."

I gently stroked the pup's soft black fur.

"Welcome home, Ebony."

The little wolf curled against my chest as I lifted her into my arms.

Above us, sunlight broke through the forest canopy.

For just a moment...

It almost seemed as though another black wolf stood watching from among the trees.

Then the wind stirred the leaves. And she was gone.

"Goodbye, Blink. I'll visit as often as I can."

I smiled through my tears before turning to the children.

"Come along now, children. Mira is waiting for me. We still have a report due for school."

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Elsewhere...

Beyond the northern seas lay Lunara.

For centuries, the rest of the Triumvirate had dismissed it as nothing more than a barren land of snow and ice.

They were wrong.

Within the White Palace, an elderly woman stood before a frost-covered window. One hand rested against the scar upon her side, where a piece of Elyndra's liver had sustained her life for longer than any mortal should have lived.

She closed her eyes. "Vaelric..." she whispered.

Silence answered.

Then, as though carried upon the northern wind, she heard the words she had dreaded.

"The Dark Prince has fallen."

Her eyes opened. "So..." she murmured. "Our bargain has died with him."

Long ago, Vaelric had promised to free her from her endless life. In return for her allegiance, he had vowed to produce an heir—one who would inherit the burden of immortality and finally grant her death.

He had also promised Lunara prosperity.

Riches.

Food.

Warmth.

None of those promises would ever be fulfilled.

The former White Queen turned from the window.

For generations, Lunara had remained in the background, content to let Aetherion and Arcanis rule while the last dragon watched over the world.

They had feared him.

A soft knock echoed through the chamber.

"Come in," she said.

The doors opened, and a young woman clad in white entered. Upon her brow rested Lunara's crown.

"Grandmother," the White Queen said with a bow. "Word has arrived from Aetherion."

The old woman's eyes narrowed.

"They say the last dragon has surrendered his true form. He is now only a man."

Silence settled over the chamber.

Then, for the first time in centuries...

The former White Queen smiled.

"The Dragon has fallen," she whispered. Her gaze drifted toward the snow-covered horizon. "The Moon's Child may arise."

Outside, horns echoed across the frozen valleys.

"The time has come," the former White Queen declared. "Let Aetherion and Arcanis witness the true strength of Lunara."