Seven years after breaking the curse, Rhys received a letter.
Not physical—it appeared in a dream, delivered by Brother Ignatius's astral form.
The Void Lord wishes you to know: Prince Valerian has achieved basic redemption. His soul is healing. He will never be released to roam freely, but he no longer suffers. This is thanks to your mercy.
Rhys woke and told Liam about the dream.
"How do you feel about that?" Liam asked.
"Satisfied, I think. He's not being tortured, but he's not free to hurt anyone either. It's... justice. Real justice."
"No regrets about not just letting him fade to nothing?"
"Sometimes. But mostly I'm glad I chose the harder path. Let him face consequences but still have a chance to grow." Rhys smiled. "Turns out I'm not vindictive enough for eternal punishment."
"That's because you're a good person."
"I'm a person who survived. That's different."
They lay in bed, morning sunlight streaming through the windows.
"Do you think we'll ever see him again?" Liam wondered.
"I hope not. His story is over. Ours is just beginning."
And it was true. Everything with Pryce—the curse, the palace, the trauma—was a chapter that had closed.
Now there were only new chapters to write. Ones filled with light and choice and love that didn't hurt.