A ring of blinding light surged outward, carving symbols into the air, ancient runes of binding, sealing, and sacrifice. The power of a thousand lifetimes channeled through his veins. Caer’s voice rose over the wind, each word a command to the elements.
“By breath and blood, by light unending, seal the wound, and close the way!”
The ground cracked. Flames rose around him, devouring the stone. The energy ripped through him, tearing his mortal form apart, but still he stood until the final rune ignited. Elirien fell to her knees as the Veil began to form, a vast wall of light sweeping across the horizon, pushing back the darkness. Nyxariel screamed in agony, half bound, and half free. Her essence caught between worlds.
Vornokh lunged to reach her, but Serenya caught him through their bond.If you follow, you die.
“I’ll not leave her!”his roar shook the mountains.
Serenya closed her eyes, tears turning to steam on her cheeks. “Then forgive me.” She raised her hands and severed their Prime Bond. A blast of crimson fire erupted, hurling Vornokh into the air beyond the forming Veil. Nyxariel’s scream followed him, fading into silence.
Elirien looked up through tears. “Serenya, what have you done?”
“What I must,” Serenya whispered and collapsed. “He’ll live. You’ll finish this.”
Elirien rose, trembling, and pressed her palms to the air, weavingthe last of her Aether into the Veil’s closing seam. “Then let light sacrifice me, if it means the dark remembers its cage.” The light consumed her.
From the city’s ruins, Caer’s magic spread outward one final time. His body was gone, but his voice echoed across creation, anchoring the Veil with the force of his soul. Caer Aeromir vanished. The city of Aeromir sank beneath a veil of Aether storm, hidden beyond reach. Only the dragons’ roars remained, echoing through eternity.
Thaelyn woke up screaming. Nyxariel’s voice came softly, tender through the haze.Your blood remembers, my heart-born. Elirien was my first light. Caer sealed the wound. Serenya bore the flame that saved him. And now, you must finish what they began.
Thaelyn pressed her forehead to the cold stone, whispering, “Then I carry them all.”
Yes,said the dragon.But remember, each who sealed the Veil gave part of themselves to do it. What will you give when the time comes?
Silence. Only the heartbeat of Aether pulsing faintly beneath her skin.
Chapter
Fifty-One
The skies above the Asgar Training Center were calm. Thorne stood in the northern armory, tightening the final buckle of his flight harness. The soft clink of steel rang around him as his squad moved through their own quiet rituals. Garric double-checked a saddle harness for Vaelion. Brynnek, already armored and ready, adjusted a strap across his shoulder while muttering to himself. Darian leaned against the far wall, still stiff from his recovery, but already suited up. Sorren crouched in the shadow of a pillar, silent and alert as always.
The scent of oil, leather, and tempered steel filled the room, familiar and grounding. It helped Thorne ignore the tightening in his chest, the one that had never quite left since they brought Thaelyn home. He glanced at the door just as she stepped in. Thaelyn.
Her stride was calm, purposeful, yet he could see the new weight in the way she moved. She was no longer just the cadet who had arrived with wary eyes and sharp wit. She was marked by survival and carved by prophecy. Bonded by a power even the dragons still whispered about in unease.
She crossed the floor to him and offered a half-smile. "Your buckle’s off by one loop."
He raised an eyebrow. "Was that your royal assessment, my lady?"
"No, just someone who doesn’t want your harness snapping mid-dive."
They shared a look, one that held laughter beneath exhaustion, and affection beneath purpose.
Garric glanced over. "Are we really doing this today? Are you sure she’s ready to fly full scale?"
Thaelyn answered for herself, "I’m more than ready, and Nyxariel’s done waiting."
"Then we fly," Thorne said. His voice was quiet but sure. He looked at the others. "Full formation. Standard aerial perimeter and weapon testing. This is not a drill. The Queen thinks the enemy’s next move may not wait for the eclipse. We’re tightening our watches."
Sorren gave a nod. Darian flexed his gloves.
Brynnek glanced toward Thaelyn. "Glad you’re with us again. We missed your wind tantrums."
Thaelyn rolled her eyes. "You missed being tossed into a thornbush?"
"Every time," he deadpanned.
