The palace was quieter at night.
Not peaceful.
Just… restrained.
Like it was holding its breath after everything that had happened.
Liora stood at the edge of the eastern corridor, staring out through the open archway.
Beyond it—
Darkness stretched across the kingdom.
Endless.
Unfamiliar.
Free.
"…So this is it."
Her voice was soft.
Not afraid.
Just… aware.
Because once she stepped out—
There was no going back.
Not the same way.
Not as who she was before.
Footsteps echoed behind her.
Slow.
Steady.
She didn't turn.
"…You took your time."
Cairis stopped beside her.
Close.
But not too close.
"I had things to settle."
"Like giving up your entire life?"
"Yes."
No hesitation.
No regret.
Just truth.
Liora let out a quiet breath.
"…You're insane."
"I've been told that."
A faint, tired smile touched her lips.
Then faded.
"…You really didn't have to do that."
"Yes, I did."
Silence.
Because arguing with him—
Was pointless.
They both knew it.
