No one moved.
The door remained open beyond reality.
Silver light spilled through its frame in soft waves, illuminating the darkness around Azhrael without fighting it.
Without conquering it.
Simply existing beside it.
The throne pulsed quietly beneath the mountain.
Not demanding.
Waiting.
The entire abyss seemed to be holding its breath.
Midnight stared at the impossible doorway.
The First Queen had spent thousands of years waiting for this moment.
Not for a war.
Not for a sacrifice.
For a choice.
The realization settled heavily in her chest.
Kael squeezed her hand gently.
The mate bond pulsed.
Steady.
Alive.
The familiar warmth grounded her immediately.
Because despite the cosmic horror, the ancient throne, the abyss, and the end of worlds—
she was still Midnight.
S
