For the first time in years, the realm was quiet.
No armies marched.
No portals darkened the sky.
No prophecies threatened the future.
The war was over.
Across Auroria, bells rang in celebration.
People filled the streets.
Children laughed.
Families reunited.
Hope, once nearly extinguished, had returned.
From the balcony of the restored royal palace, Aria watched the festivities below.
The city looked alive again.
Not as a forgotten kingdom.
But as a home.
Footsteps approached behind her.
"You should be down there."
Aria smiled without turning.
"Trying to escape your royal duties again, Kael?"
The Lycan King laughed softly.
"Maybe."
For a moment, neither spoke.
They simply enjoyed the peace.
A rare gift after everything they had endured.
Eventually, Kael stepped besi
