Chapter 32. Two Queens, One Throne

The vault’s light dimmed slowly, like a breath drawn too deep and held too long. Threads of gold and silver withdrew into the mountain’s veins, retreating one pulse at a time until the stone returned to shadow.

When the last shimmer faded, Selene and Veyra stood alone at the heart of the chamber. Their hands were still joined. The Oathstone rested beside them, its glow steady and muted, like a heart that had finally learned a calmer rhythm.

No one spoke.

The silence felt deliberate. Consecrated. As though anything said too soon would fracture what had just been made whole.

At last, the Flamekeeper stepped forward, her face half-lost to shadow, the runes along her skin dim but watchful.

“The mountain has accepted you both,” she sai