CHAPTER 53.

Chapter 53: The Eye of Antares

Though the duel was won and the Accord sealed, the world did not exhale.

In the aftermath of the battle at Vharon's Hollow, Jean Luther returned not as a challenger, but as a proven sovereign.

She was no longer simply the Emissary of Light.

She was the Heir of the Luther Clan, the sole successor of the Patriarchy, bearer of Martin Luther's legacy—and the first warrior in centuries to slay a Dragon Herald in single combat.

But far beyond the veil of the known world, something stirred.

Deep within the Obsidian Rift, where stars went to die, Antares opened his ancient eye.

A slitted pupil ringed in galaxies—watching.

Remembering.

> "The light returns... but it flickers still."

From the volcanic throne of the Wyrmspire Citadel, he surveyed the gathered broods. Thousands of dragons—scaled, winged, elemental and divine—knelt before him. Yet even among them, there was unease.

The death of Virexion had shaken the old laws.

And worse—it had proven humanity's flame still burned.

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Back at Luther Stronghold, Jean stood before the great stone effigy of Martin Luther. The ancient swordsman's image loomed behind her—cloak carved from marble, his blade embedded in the earth like a promise.

The Council of Elders bowed.

Even those who had once questioned her right to rule now dared not speak against the woman who had wounded a dragon god's will.

Charles Luther, her grandfather, watched silently from his high seat.

Then, he rose.

"You've proven more than blood," he said, voice deep and rumbling. "You've proven destiny."

Jean didn't smile. Her eyes were hard, calculating, weary. "There's no time to bask in it. The dragons will not stay idle."

"And neither will we," Charles said.

He stepped forward and placed his hand on her shoulder.

"From this day forward, the full might of the Luther Clan is yours."

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Later that night, Jean stood alone on the balcony of her new war chamber.

Whitney rested at her feet, muzzle twitching as he dreamt.

Stars stretched across the night sky, serene, but no longer silent.

Jean could feel it—that tremor in the world's foundation. The Accord had bought time, not peace. And somewhere beyond the veil, Antares was watching.

She touched Eclipsion's hilt.

> "Let him come," she murmured.

> "I'll finish what Martin began."

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