The light should have taken the First Queen.
Everyone expected it.
The Shore of Lost Things was completing its purpose.
The forgotten were returning.
The stars were whole.
The burden was lifted.
Stories like this usually ended with sacrifice.
With farewell.
With someone walking into the light.
The First Queen clearly expected it too.
Midnight saw the realization cross her face as the tree of starlight blazed brighter.
The ancient woman smiled softly.
Ready.
At peace.
Prepared to become another beautiful ending.
Then—
nothing happened.
The light brightened.
The stars sang.
The Shore transformed.
And the First Queen remained exactly where she was.
Silence.
The First Queen blinked.
Then blinked again.
The throne pulsed.
Once.
Twice.
Then—
it laughed.
Actually laug
