Page 227 of Fallen Nocturne

“I’ll send formal terms within the week,” he promises her. “Agreements and proper negotiations. But the war, the war is done.”

“Thank you,” Rhianelle says quietly.

Finnbheara doesn’t respond. He gathers Sanguisyl’s reins and pats the red wyvern’s neck.

“Let’s go home,” he says, then glances toward Landon. “You too, Landon.”

Landon shakes his head. “I’ll join you shortly.”

Sanguisyl spreads his injured wings. The torn membranes tremble with the effort as he lowers his body and prepares to launch. Before he can push away from the ground, his great head turns toward Coral one final time.

The small pale wyvern chirps and paws at the dirt. Coral has not realized the fight is over. She lowers her head as if she is still prepared to charge him.

You better run.

Sanguisyl answers with a low, rumbling call. I cannot tell whether it is a promise or a goodbye. Coral tilts her head, clearly understanding none of it.

The red wyvern surges forward and launches himself from the ravine. His battered wings catch the wind, each powerful beat carrying him higher despite his injuries. Finnbheara rises with him until king and wyvern become a dark shape against the morning sky, flying toward Avalon and the fae lands beyond.

Landon watches them disappear before crossing the circle toward Rhianelle. Hrolf’s Starfall sword lies near the broken line of ash. He retrieves it and presents it to her with both hands.

“Your Highness.”

Rhianelle accepts the weapon. Before she can withdraw her hand, Landon bows and presses a kiss to her knuckles. A faint golden light passes from his lips into her skin, so subtle that I almost miss it. Some of the strain leaves her face, and her injured leg steadies beneath her.

He has healed her. Not completely, but enough to keep her standing.

“Until we meet again,” Landon says.

Rhianelle plants the sword point-first into the earth and leans against the hilt, using the blade as a crutch. “Goodbye, Landon. Thank you for everything.”

He steps away and disappears into the retreating fae ranks.

The remaining forces begin to withdraw. Fae banners turn toward the road to Avalon as the ancient creatures of Astefar follow their new king into the west. The dwarves come next, their enormous war machines groaning as they pivot and begin the long journey back toward the mountains.

The Demon lord, Kheirall pauses before leaving. His dark gaze settles on Rhianelle. He gives her a single respectful nod. She returns it softly.

The orcs disperse in smaller groups, some following the fae and others heading in their own directions. King Mavren and Prince Vayne exchange one long look, a conversation without words before separating. The battlefield empties gradually like a tide retreating.

Through it all, Rhianelle stands in her battered armor, her weight on Hrolf’s sword. The barely-healed shin threatens to give out. Her injured leg keeps shaking beneath her. Still, she stands with her head high, her back straight, every inch the queen.

Because the armies are still dispersing and watching. She can’t, won’t show weakness now. Not until they’re gone and it’s safe.

Coinneach slips away from me. He’s there beside her. The shadow holds her up, keeping her from falling.

Thank you, I say to him.

When the last soldier turns, Rhianelle finally allows herself to waver. Her legs start to give out. The strength that’s been holding her up begins to crumble.

My shadows tear free. Wings unfurl from my back and carry me over the edge of the ravine, down toward the broken circle and the girl struggling to remain on her feet. I land beside her as her knees begin to buckle.

“It’s all right,” I say as I reach her. “You can let go now.”

She looks at me, those lilac eyes wet with tears she hasn’t allowed herself to shed.

“You did it,” I tell her, pulling her close. I gather her against my chest and take her full weight before her legs can fail. One arm wraps around her waist while the other cradles the back of her head. “They’re all going home. You stopped the war.”

Fate was right after all. It was Rhianelle and Landon who ended this war.