As the shadows dissipated, silence filled the grand hall. Madame Seraphine was gone, leaving only faint wisps of her dark magic lingering in the air. The fortress felt emptier without her oppressive presence, and for the first time since they'd arrived, Zia could breathe freely.
Leon, exhausted but triumphant, looked around, his gaze sweeping over their battered group. Alaric was slowly picking himself up, leaning on his sword for support. Emory approached him, already assessing his injuries with a healer's eye. Lady Isolde, though outwardly composed, was breathing heavily, clearly spent from the powerful spell she'd cast to support Leon and Zia.
"You did it," Emory said softly, his voice filled with awe as he turned to Zia and Leon. "The curse, Seraphine… it's finally over."
Leon gave a small nod, but his eyes remained fixed on Zia, an unspoken question in his gaze. There was a depth to his look that Zia hadn't seen before, a kind of vulnerability that took her by surprise. It was as if he was silently asking for permission to feel relieved, to finally allow himself to be free.
Without thinking, Zia stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a tight embrace. Leon stiffened for a moment, as if unsure of what to do, but then he relaxed, his arms coming around her, returning the embrace with a warmth that surprised even him.
Alaric, who had been watching from the sidelines, clenched his jaw, trying to mask the pang of jealousy that stabbed at him. He looked away, a mixture of bitterness and resignation in his gaze.
After a long moment, Zia pulled back slightly, her hands still resting on Leon's shoulders. She looked into his eyes, her expression softer than usual. "Leon… you're free. She's gone."
Leon took a deep, shuddering breath, his hands tightening on her shoulders. "I can hardly believe it. For so long, I've been trapped, bound by her curse. And now… it's over." His voice wavered slightly, a mix of relief and disbelief.
Zia gave him a small, encouraging smile. "It's over. And you're still here. Alive."
Leon's expression softened as he gazed at her, and for a brief, fragile moment, it was just the two of them in the hall, the world outside forgotten. He raised a hand, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face, his touch lingering. Zia felt her heartbeat quicken, a warmth spreading through her that she hadn't anticipated.
But just as she felt herself leaning in, a faint cough interrupted them. Zia pulled back quickly, her face flushing as she turned to see Alaric watching them, his expression carefully neutral.
"If you two are done with the heartfelt reunion," Alaric said, his tone light but laced with tension, "we still have a fortress to clear. And I, for one, would like to get out of here sooner rather than later."
Leon's jaw tightened, but he said nothing. Zia felt a pang of guilt, realizing how hard this must be for Alaric. She had always known there was a spark between them—a fiery, dangerous connection that could just as easily turn into something more. But Leon… Leon had become something more to her, and she couldn't deny the pull she felt toward him.
Emory stepped forward, trying to ease the tension with his gentle demeanor. "I'll heal everyone's wounds before we leave," he offered, placing a comforting hand on Alaric's shoulder. "And after that, we can go home. We've all earned a rest."
Lady Isolde gave a rare smile, nodding in agreement. "You've all done well. Eldralore owes you a debt." Her gaze flickered toward Zia, a glimmer of respect in her eyes. "But I must say, Zia, I didn't expect to see you here. The Thief of Silver and Souls, risking her life for others. It's not the reputation you built for yourself."
Zia raised an eyebrow, smirking slightly. "What can I say? I'm full of surprises."
Isolde chuckled, an uncharacteristic warmth in her laughter. "Indeed you are."
They took a few moments to regroup, with Emory tending to their injuries and restoring their strength. Zia watched as he worked, grateful for his gentle care. She glanced at Alaric, who was avoiding her gaze, clearly still bristling from what he had witnessed. She wanted to say something, to ease the tension, but she wasn't sure where to begin.
After Emory finished, they made their way out of the fortress, the weight of their victory settling over them like a comforting cloak. Eldralore's citizens were beginning to stir, the early morning light casting a hopeful glow over the city. For the first time in what felt like forever, Zia felt a sense of peace.
As they walked through the streets, Leon fell into step beside her, his hand brushing hers lightly. The simple gesture sent a thrill through her, but she quickly pulled her hand away, casting a glance back at Alaric. He was watching them, his expression unreadable.
They reached the outskirts of the city, where they would part ways. Lady Isolde had responsibilities at the royal court, and Emory had a clinic to return to. Alaric, however, lingered, his gaze flickering between Zia and Leon.
Finally, he stepped forward, his voice quiet but firm. "Zia, can we talk? Alone?"
Zia hesitated, glancing at Leon, who gave her a small nod of encouragement. She followed Alaric a short distance away, the silence between them thick with unspoken words.
Alaric looked at her, his expression a mixture of frustration and something else she couldn't quite place. "So… you and Leon?"
Zia took a deep breath, unsure of how to answer. "Alaric, I… I didn't plan this. It just happened."
He let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. "Of course. Because that's how it always is, isn't it? You get under people's skin without even trying. And I… I was fool enough to let you get under mine."
Zia felt a pang of guilt, her chest tightening at the hurt in his voice. "Alaric, I care about you. I always have. But Leon… we've been through so much together. I can't explain it, but—"
"You don't have to," he interrupted, his voice rough. "I get it. He's the cursed prince, the tragic hero. And I'm just the rival thief. I should've known better."
Zia reached out, placing a hand on his arm. "Alaric, please don't think that. You're so much more than that. You're… important to me. Always."
He looked at her, his gaze softening slightly. "Then don't forget me, Zia. Whatever happens, don't forget me."
She nodded, her heart heavy as he turned and walked away, disappearing into the early morning mist.
When she returned to the group, Leon was waiting, his expression filled with quiet understanding. He didn't ask about her conversation with Alaric, simply holding out his hand as if to offer her strength. She took it, feeling a sense of calm settle over her.
As they walked together, Zia glanced over her shoulder one last time, her gaze lingering on the path Alaric had taken. She knew their journey wasn't over—there would be more battles to fight, more challenges to face. But for now, she was grateful for this moment, for the peace that settled over her heart.
And with Leon by her side, she felt ready to face whatever came next.