The Great Hall's doors closed behind Corvex with a measured click—his departure a statement more powerful than words. Court aides traded swift glances, their whispers thick enough to chill the hall. Selene, Aro, and Iris remained by the throne, framed beneath the watchful rune that pulsed with enduring life.
King Aldricus's gaze softened as he looked at Selene. He stood and descended the dais, stepping close to place a hand on her shoulder. "You have shown wisdom beyond your years—mercy, strength, and loyalty. The crown of this kingdom... remains in able hands."
Soft applause rippled through the assembly. Selene exhaled, allowing it to wash over her. This was more than a personal victory—it was a promise to the people.
In the crowd, Iris slipped away, her expression brightening. She would help Selene build the bridges she'd spoken of earlier—between nobility and commoners, tradition and change.
Aro stayed by Selene's side, sketching lines of relief on her face with his eyes. His smile was soft and sure, as if he'd been waiting for this moment his entire life. Turning to her, he murmured, "We did it."
Selene offered her hand—and together, they walked from the throne room into the glow of a new morning. The rune above them glowed steady—a beacon of hope, signaling a new chapter not just for the kingdom, but for the people they would become.