The night celebration slowly faded into quiet.
The palace gardens were still glowing with lantern light.
Music could still be heard from distant streets.
But here, in the quiet corner of the palace courtyard, everything felt calm.
Vivian stood beside Sebastian near the marble fountain.
Their hands were joined.
Neither of them wanted to let go.
For the first time since the trials began… there was peace.
Sebastian gently brushed a loose strand of hair away from Vivian's face.
"You were brave yesterday," he said softly.
Vivian smiled.
"We both were."
Sebastian shook his head.
"You stood before the entire council."
"You faced the circle."
"You faced Dorian."
He leaned closer.
"And you still chose me."
Vivian's cheeks warmed.
"I never stopped choosing you."
Sebastian's fingers tightened gently around hers.
The fountain water moved quietly behind them.
For a moment neither of them spoke.
Sebastian lifted her hand slowly and kissed it.
