Toreva had become the headquarters for what remained of Basharr's fighting force. The western edge of the plundered town swelled with tents, horses, and soldiers all under Captain Augustus' command. Despite the devastation, it was still the easiest pass between Ipsit and Basharr and had to be defended. Florian brought Violet, Hestia, and Olivia to Augustus."He's the senior officer," Florian explained. "You've convinced my men, but we can't abandon Augustus. If he gives his permission, then we'll follow you into Ipsit.""I understand," Violet replied, searching Florian's steady gaze. "It doesn't seem I've convinced you, though."He shook his head and sighed. "I said I would go with you. Let that be enough."Florian moved to guide her up the hill to Augustus' tent but Violet stopped him, done with the game they kept playing with each other. "You're angry with me. Why won't you just say it?""How can I be mad? We don't owe each other anything," he answered."I'm aware of that," she said,

Raegan shifted into her falcon form with a flash of golden light. Her screech sent shivers through the dead horde. The moment of distraction gave Violet the chance to draw two arrows and fire them into the spirits. At the same time Raegan flew through the dead ones, her razor-sharp gold wings slicing at their faces.A sliver of a path cleared through the dead ones and Violet took it. She dodged two blades. Tucked and rolled between the legs of one spirit. Dalyla was ahead of Violet, overseeing her fellow dead from The Bastion's gates amid the flames Rabiah had left behind.A soul stepped between Violet and her goal."You," Violet fumed, recognizing the same enormous brute who kidnapped her at Toreva. "We have unfinished business."The hollow eyes remained unresponsive, but he raised his sword and tried to strike Violet. She jumped to the side, colliding with another dead one. She tried to stab Violet, too. Three more joined in, surrounding Violet.The moment of distraction was over. V

The great chamber filled with black storm clouds. Wind picked up, blowing out the candles and tearing at the wooden paneled room. Lightning danced from cloud to cloud. Eden stood beneath it all, robed in mist. His gold gaze pierced through the tumult.He brought down lightning strike after strike down on Curzon. The Blood King smoked. His body thrashed under the electrical current and Violet heard him gasp for air. Eden brought down the fifth strike and Curzon lay still. His eyes were closed and he didn't seem to be breathing.Eden descended the dais, aiming for Violet, but Curzon's eyes flared open and he jumped to his feet. "I'm the King of the Dead," he crowed. "You cannot kill me."He stood between Eden and Violet while Violet faded away. Reigniting Eden's magic had been too much for her. The little bit of strength she possessed was with him now. Eden saw her struggling."Step aside," he commanded Curzon, lightning twisting around his arms up to his shoulders.The gold never left

It was time to head home. Basharr was waiting.Eden and Violet set out with Chione, Hestia, Olivia, and Raegan in tow. They took the southern bridge, devoid of life and burnt, to honor the four soldiers that fell before the resurrected Monarchs.A few moments of silence reminded Violet how many more had been sacrificed by Curzon on the altar of his pride. The elven kingdoms wouldn't heal overnight from so many losses. She looked over at Eden—it was their job now to make sure those who remained felt safe in their homes whether they were blood or high elf."There are dead ones at the end of the bridge," Eden said quietly, nodding toward the gathered pale figures. They blocked the end of the bridge and filled the streets into Ipsit's capital. Some were spirits; others were living blood elves hosting a spirit. They were armed but all of their swords hung loose from their hands. They looked weary."They want to go home," Violet said, getting off her horse.She walked up to the waiting spir

All of Basharr and Ipsit seemed to have packed into the capital. And all the other kingdoms had sent representatives to the coronation, turning the city into a rainbow of celebration. As many of those people as possible now crowded into the palace and grounds, packing the corridors and throne room.Violet stood next to Eden. He wore matching white silk trousers and tunic. The robe over them was edged with the same colorful streams of fabric Violet wore on her gown. His white hair hung loose over his shoulders, slightly brushed back from his face, leaving a few wisps of short hair dangling in his eyes. He was gorgeous, as always. But the crowd captivated Violet even more. Every face looked up at her. Without meaning to, she realized this was the life she'd been reaching for the moment she entered the capital. To find acceptance, love, and power. She'd fought hard, putting everything she had into the search and now—as she looked out at her people and looked across at her love—she realiz