One year later, moon-petal blossoms drifted over the Sanctuary's marble plazas for the Starfall Festival.
Children with silver dust on their cheeks chased the glowing petals while their parents called after them.
From the high temple balcony, I could see the sacred groves in bloom. My power fed their roots and opened the starlight flowers along the riverbank.
The current carried silver light past every open flower. No bond pulled at me.
Kaelen joined me at the railing.
“The rivers are calm tonight,” he said.
“The land is healed.”
When I turned, he held a ring formed from one strand of solid moonlight. He went down on one knee.
“Aria, I won't ask you to give up your course for mine. Will you let me travel beside you?”
For a moment, the ring blurred in my sight.
“Yes. I will.”
He
