The years after Kael's death were the longest of Lena's life.
Not because they were empty—they were full of family, full of love, full of life. The city continued to thrive. Children were born, couples were married, celebrations were held. The seasons turned, the gardens bloomed, the barrier shimmered. Everything that had been built continued to stand.
But every moment carried the weight of his absence.
Every sunrise reminded her he wasn't there to see it. Every sunset reminded her he wasn't there to hold her. The chair by the fire remained empty. The space beside her in bed remained cold. The laughter that had once filled their home was quieter now, muted by the hole he'd left behind.
Caspian stayed close, his steady presence the only thing that kept her grounded. He didn't try to fil
