The moment Midnight spoke the truth—
the world paused.
Not stopped.
Paused.
Like existence itself leaned forward to listen.
The stars above Black Hollow held their places.
The spreading erasure slowed.
The empty clearings in the forest stopped growing.
Even the throne beneath Draven Ridge went silent.
Waiting.
The silver crystal floated above the open box, glowing softly in the center of the Memory Vault.
The name remained unspoken.
Not because Midnight feared it.
Because she finally understood what the First Queen had been protecting.
The name wasn't dangerous.
The truth attached to it was.
Kael's hand remained firmly wrapped around hers.
The mate bond pulsed.
Steady.
Grounding.
Home.
Midnight took a slow breath.
Then looked toward everyone gathered around her.
"The
