Weeks passed, and life in Avenstone slowly returned to normal—or as close to normal as it could be. The castle bustled with activity, preparations for the kingdom's future well underway. But even as the days went on, Elara couldn't shake the feeling that something else was coming, something that would test her leadership and the choices she had made.
One morning, as she stood on the balcony overlooking the city, Marcus joined her, his expression calm but contemplative.
"Do you ever wonder what would have happened if you chose differently?" he asked quietly.
Elara didn't hesitate. "Sometimes," she admitted. "But then I remember that this—everything we've done, everything we've built—this is what I chose. And I wouldn't change that."
Marcus nodded, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Neither would I."
As the sun rose higher in the sky, casting its golden light over the city, Elara felt a sense of peace settle over her. The trials, the prophecy, the sacrifices—they had all led her to this moment. And whatever the future held, she knew she was ready.
Because the future was hers to shape.