Elowen was caged by Viktor for five years. Her sister Seraphina broke in and broke her out. One night—explosion, escape, war.
Malachai wanted to open the First Gate. Seraphina's blood was the key. At the full moon, the ancient corpse rose and devoured its master. Viktor gave his heart's blood and burned. Seraphina sealed the Gate with fire and killed the fallen judge.
Silas knelt. She said no. She burned the cage, built a common hall, and walked into the sun with her sister.
Three thousand years ended on her watch.
She never told anyone—the shadow in that fire had her face.
