Morning light washed over Aranthia.
The people gathered in silence as Elaria stood before them.
She did not look like a tyrant.
She looked like hope.
"Magic is not evil," she declared. "Greed is."
The crown shimmered softly, no longer blazing, but alive.
Kael stepped closer and bowed slightly.
"All hail Queen Elaria of Shadowfire."
For the first time in years, the kingdom felt warmth—not from fear, but from freedom.
Elaria looked toward the horizon.
Darkness and light both lived within her.
And she would rule with balance.
Because this was not the end.
It was the beginning of a new era.