On the banks of the Saint Elber River, Aurek pulled the Glamer Holy Sword free.
Silas's body weathered and crumbled with startling speed, turning to dust beneath Aurek's boots—a once-dazzling star, returned to the earth's embrace.
He turned away and flew back to the high dais of the Votive Altar.
Behind him, the Mountain Shieldbearers formed ranks once more, their heavy steps reweaving an iron bulwark.
Josephine drew a long breath, smoothed the pleats of her gown, quelled every ripple of emotion, and bowed to the returning Emperor.
Aurek took her gloved fingers in his hand.
Side by side, they walked to the edge of the platform and looked down upon the shaken courtiers and nobles.
"Long live His Majesty!"
"Long live Her Majesty the Queen!"
The thunder of voices split the heavens—reverence for absolute power laid bare.
As though the blood-soaked carnage had never been, imperial order snapped back into place under iron sovereignty.
At the Votive Altar—The Queen's coronation!
