The sky is turning pink and gold. The first real sunrise this territory has seen in years. Colors instead of gray. Light instead of that endless overcast that pressed down like a physical weight.
I watch it in silence, letting the colors soak into me.
The world is different. Not just this territory—everywhere. Cities waking up. People taking their first free breaths in months or years. Rulers discovering the chains around their power have shattered. Somewhere out there, Commander Voss is waking too—a soldier who followed orders into our hunt and survived to seewhat those orders were protecting. Everything changed because we killed one executioner and refused to die ourselves.
The future is uncertain. But it exists now—for all of us.
Tyr stirs behind me. His arm tightens instantly, pulling me back against his chest before he’s even fully awake. Pure instinct.
“You’re thinking.” His voice is rough from sleep.
“Always.”
“Stop.” His lips drag across the back of my neck. “Come back to sleep.”
“The sun’s rising.”
“Don’t care.”
“We should figure out where we’re going. Plan for what’s coming.”
“I know where.” His hand slides up my stomach, possessive even half-asleep. “My territory. They can’t reach us easily there.”
“You planned this.”
“I plan for everything.” He pulls me harder against him, his body solid against my back. “Especially keeping you.”
“That sounds like kidnapping.”
“Call it what you want.” He doesn’t sound apologetic. Doesn’t sound concerned about my objection at all. “You’re not leaving.”
I turn to face him. In the growing light, he looks like what he is—a predator who caught his prey and has no intention of letting go. Pale eyes bright with possession. Sharp features made almost human by the satisfaction of having exactly what he wants.
He looks like mine.
“Fine.” I poke his chest. “Take me there. Do your dragon thing.”
“My dragon thing?”
“Growling. Hovering. Looking at anyone who gets close like you’re already planning how to kill them.”
“I don’t growl.”
“You absolutely growl. I’ve heard it. Multiple times. Usually right before you?—”
“Careful.” His grip tightens warningly. “Unless you want a demonstration right now.”
I grin at him. Actually grin. We killed a god-made executioner. Changed the world. Freed entire cities. And we’re arguing about whether he growls.
My life now. Exactly as I want it.
I can’t imagine wanting anything else.
“Lead the way.” I push myself up, reaching for my clothes. “Show me where we’re spending forever.”
He catches my wrist before I can grab my shirt. Pulls me back down. His grip is firm, his expression serious for the first time since he woke.
“I don’t say things like this.” His voice is low. Serious. “You know that. I don’t do declarations or speeches or any of that.”
