The Sunborn Queen: Ashes of Aurendor

The darkness fought back with terrifying violence. The subterranean city shook as black lightning collided with the column of solar fire.

Elara felt her strength draining rapidly, but she held tight to Lyra’s hand. "Hold on, sweet light! Do not let go!"

"I won't!" Lyra screamed, her small body glowing like a miniature sun.

The solar magic poured into the Void-Heart, forcing its way through the dark veins and turning the black crystal into clear, shimmering diamond. The necrotic tendrils attached to Aurelian began to burn away, replaced by threads of pure golden light.

Aurelian cried out as the void energy was purged from his blood. The obsidian armor fell from his shoulders, revealing his pristine golden plate armor beneath.

With a final, deafening shatter, the Void-Heart exploded—not into destructive shards, but into a massive wave of warm, golden light that swept through the entire subterranean canyon and erupted out of the chasm into the sky above.

The dark clouds that had hung over the Southern Marches for centuries dissolved instantly. The twilight vanished, replaced by the brilliant, clear blue sky of a brand-new day.

At the bottom of the trench, silence returned.

Elara opened her eyes, gasping for air as her glowing magic settled. In the center of the crystal plaza, Aurelian lay on his knees, breathing heavily.

Elara ran across the stone floor and fell to her knees beside him, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck. Aurelian lifted his trembling hands, holding her close, burying his face in her hair.

"Elara... my queen... my love..." Aurelian sobbed softly. "I'm sorry it took me so long to come back."

"You are here now," Elara whispered, holding him tight. "You are home."

Lyra walked up slowly, holding her drawing. Aurelian looked over at the little girl, reaching out with a gentle, warm hand to touch her cheek.