Epilogue: The Silent Bloom

The courtyard was still.

Lanterns swayed gently in the midnight breeze, casting elongated shadows across the worn stone tiles. Somewhere in the distance, the soft murmur of a waterfall could be heard—a sound almost forgotten in the chaos of war and rebellion.

Alex stood beneath the cherry blossom tree, now in full bloom. Its pink petals glowed faintly under the moonlight, drifting down like whispers of a calmer time.

He reached out and caught a single petal.

"You're late," came a familiar voice, soft and teasing.

A smile tugged at his lips as he turned. Elaera stood behind him, wrapped in a cloak the color of twilight, her silver hair cascading over one shoulder.

"You always knew I'd come back."

She stepped forward, her eyes searching his. "Not always. But I hoped."

He tucked the blossom behind her ear, his fingers lingering. "The rebellion is over, but the kingdom... it's still healing."

Elaera leaned into him. "Then let's help it heal. Together."

The two stood in silence as the night deepened, their silhouettes entwined like shadow and silk.

And far, far away—in a sealed chamber forgotten by most—the Eye of Tharan pulsed once, faintly. A heartbeat. A warning. Or perhaps, a promise.