Chapter 19 - The Final Verdict
General Kaelen knelt in the mud of the central courtyard, his armor scorched and his sword shattered beside him. He glared up with bitter hatred as King Evander and Queen Mira stood before him, flanked by Captain Soren and the loyal royal guard.
"You cannot destroy what the temple built," Kaelen spat, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. "The old families will never accept a Rainkeeper on the throne."
"The old families are no longer listening to ghosts, General," Evander replied coldly. "They are looking at the harvest in the fields, the children in the new academies, and the rain falling upon a united empire. Your war is over."
"Take him to the deep cells," Evander commanded. "Let him reflect on what remains of a legacy built on sand."
As the guards hauled Kaelen away, the dark shadow of the lunar eclipse finally passed. The brilliant silver moon emerged from behind the earth's shadow, casting a peaceful, luminous glow across the marble courtyards of the citadel.
The citizens and merchants who had gathered at the perimeter walls let out a collective cheer, raising lanterns and torches in celebration of a victory won without unnecessary bloodshed.
Mira let out a long, shuddering breath, lowering her arms as the silver glow on her wrist faded back into a gentle, resting pulse. The baby dragon trotted over, nuzzling affectionately against her ankle before curling up in a patch of moonlight.
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Evander wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. "Are you tired?" he whispered softly, his voice full of tender affection.
"Exhausted," Mira admitted, leaning her head against his shoulder. "But for the first time in my life, I know tomorrow will come."
