The battlefield fell into an eerie stillness. The air, once filled with roars of battle and death, grew calm. All that remained of Astoroth's monstrous army was ash swirling gently in the wind, carried away like a bad dream finally fading with the dawn.
The harsh light of the midday sun shone down on scorched earth and shattered weapons. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, there was only... silence.
I leaned on my staff, still catching my breath. My arms ached, my body screamed for rest, but my heart—my heart soared with relief. It was over. Truly, finally, over.
Nearby, Roderick slapped Kael on the back so hard he nearly stumbled. "By the gods, kid! You really punched Astoroth's hammers to dust!"
Kael grinned, wiping blood and soot from his face. "What can I say? I'm built different."
Rowan chuckled, tugging off his cracked gauntlet. "That was some entrance. Falling from the sky like a bloody comet. You almost took me out, you reckless pup."
Kael shrugged, flashing that cocky smirk. "Hey, aim for the biggest threat first, right?" He flexed his scorched knuckles, still sparking faintly with residual Chi energy.
Sir Cedric approached, armor dented and bloodied but head held high. He extended a hand toward Kael. "You fought like a warrior. You earned your place in every tale they'll sing about this day."
Kael clasped Cedric's hand, beaming. "I am pretty legendary, huh?"
Roderick wiped blood from his cracked shield and glanced at Kael, still standing tall despite the smoldering battlefield. He raised an eyebrow and turned to me.
"Alright...where in the blazing hells did you find this kid?"
Before I could answer, Rowan smirked, tossing aside his shattered gauntlet. "I saw him punch a dragon out of the sky once." He shrugged, voice thick with dry amusement. "Thought that was the wildest thing I'd ever see." He nodded toward Astoroth's scattered remains. "Guess I was wrong."
Kael grinned, brushing soot from his burned cloak. "What can I say? I'm full of surprises."
Roderick let out a low whistle, shaking his head. "Kid, you just punched the last demon on earth to death. You sure you're even human?"
Kael flexed his still-sparking knuckles with a cocky smirk. "Human? I'm something better."
Rowan chuckled and patted Kael's shoulder with rough affection. "Don't let it go to your head, comet boy."
"Too late." Kael winked. "You're all welcome, by the way."
Despite myself, I couldn't help but laugh—deep, exhausted, and full of relief. For the first time, the weight of the world felt... lighter.
Sihir descended gracefully, her feet barely touching the scorched earth. She twirled her staff with practiced elegance, fixing us with that familiar, infuriating smirk.
"Well," she drawled, her voice laced with mock sweetness. "I'm the one who killed Astoroth. Where's my praise?"
Rowan and Roderick exchanged a glance, saying nothing—but their raised eyebrows spoke volumes.
Kael, of course, couldn't resist. He crossed his arms, lightning still crackling faintly around his fists. "Oh, you killed him? Must've missed that while I was busy shattering his war-hammers and breaking every bone in his giant demon body."
Sihir's eyes narrowed, her smile widening in a predatory way. "Breaking bones is cute, comet boy. Erasing him from existence? That's what real power looks like."
Kael scoffed, tossing his charred cloak over one shoulder. "You needed a whole dramatic entrance and some fancy sky-beam. I just used my fists." He leaned in with a cocky grin. "Twice."
Sihir took a slow, deliberate step forward, her piercing blue eyes gleaming. "Twice... and he still wasn't dead."
The air seemed to spark between them as they squared off.
Rowan sighed heavily, rubbing his temple. "Please... let them kill each other," he muttered.
Roderick folded his massive arms and nodded solemnly. "We could just... step back."
Neither Kael nor Sihir noticed—or cared—as they launched into increasingly exaggerated boasts about their power, each determined to outdo the other.
I sighed, already regretting letting them share the same battlefield.
Sir Cedric approached quietly, lowering himself onto the battered stone next to me. His broad shoulders sagged just a bit, as if the weight of endless war had finally begun to lift.
"I never thought…" he began, his voice low and thoughtful. "I never thought I'd see this day. The day we'd finally be free. The world… free."
I nodded, feeling the same strange, unspoken relief settling into my chest.
He turned, his warm brown eyes meeting mine, soft and genuine. "Thank you, Thalia."
My heart skipped a beat, and despite the grime and exhaustion coating my body, I felt heat creeping up my cheeks. His gaze lingered, steady but kind, and for a moment, the chaos around us faded into nothing.
Before I could respond, heavy footfalls broke the moment.
"Hey." Roderick's deep voice rumbled like distant thunder. He loomed over us, his towering frame casting a long shadow. "Good fight."
His words were simple, but there was something off—his tone deeper, sharper than usual. His eyes burned with an intensity I hadn't seen in years.
Before I could react, Roderick's gaze locked on Sir Cedric. "But you could've done better."
I opened my mouth to interject, but Sir Cedric was already on his feet. Calm, composed—a knight through and through.
He extended his hand toward my brother. "I will... on our next fight."
There was a tense pause before Roderick grasped Sir Cedric's hand in a firm shake, their locked grip speaking of mutual respect—and a hint of challenge.
Sir Cedric gave me a final glance—soft, lingering—and nodded before stepping away, heading back toward his soldiers.
I exhaled slowly, still processing what just happened.
From a short distance away, Kael and Sihir's argument reached new, absurd heights. Something about who technically dealt the "killing blow" to Astoroth.
Before I could roll my eyes, Rowan and Roderick settled heavily onto the stone beside me, both worn but still solid and unyielding.
"That your boyfriend?" Roderick asked, his tone half-teasing but still rough around the edges.
"What? No!" I snapped, my face instantly flushing. "I just met him yesterday."
Roderick didn't even blink, still watching Sir Cedric in the distance as the knight spoke with his soldiers. "He looked at you differently."
"What? Really?" I tried to sound casual, but my voice cracked slightly.
"Aye," Rowan chimed in, rubbing his beard thoughtfully. "I've lived 'round 300 years. I know what love looks like. Seen it plain as day... in both of your eyes."
My face burned hotter than a freshly cast fire spell. "You two are impossible," I hissed, crossing my arms to hide my embarrassment.
Desperate for a change of subject, I punched Roderick's bicep, though it felt like striking a wall of steel. "Since when did you get here?"
He smirked but didn't comment on my failed attempt at intimidation. "A month ago. Brought Breon. He's enrolling at the Arcathian Academy—best magic school on the continent."
"A month ago?" I repeated, my voice rising.
Roderick nodded, his smirk fading slightly. "Sihir must've not told you, huh?"
I clenched my jaw, feeling my frustration flare. Of course, she didn't. Classic Sihir. Always keeping just enough information to herself.
Still... the battle was over. The world was finally at peace.
The sun dipped low on the horizon, painting the sky in hues of crimson and gold. Its fading light cast long shadows over the battlefield behind us, now quiet and still—a stark contrast to the chaos that had raged there only hours ago.
We were crammed into a sturdy wooden cart, its wheels creaking rhythmically as it rolled along the dirt path toward the Capital. The air smelled faintly of smoke, sweat, and something almost sweet—the scent of distant fields untouched by war.
From the front of the cart, Kael's voice boomed with all the energy of a storm ready to break.
"I literally turned into a comet, Sihir. Top that!" he declared, punching the air triumphantly.
Sihir, seated regally opposite him, rolled her eyes with maximum disdain. "Congratulations, you figured out how to fall. Do you want applause for mastering gravity?"
Before Kael could snap back, Roderick interjected smoothly, smirking as he tossed a twig into the small campfire glowing at the cart's center. "Kael's got a point—he did blast a demon into next week. Impressive."
Kael's face lit up. "See? Even he get it!"
"If Astoroth hadn't been half-dead already," Rowan added lazily, stretching his legs. "Pretty sure Sihir did erase his head from existence."
Sihir scoffed. "You hit things. I end them."
Roderick shrugged innocently. "She's got a point there too."
The argument reignited with twice the fervor, Kael and Sihir's banter rising like competing war cries.
I couldn't help but laugh, leaning back in the cart as the sunset bathed the world in soft amber light. For once, the tension in my chest loosened. The war was over, and for the first time in what felt like forever, we could just be.
Somewhere up ahead, in another cart surrounded by soldiers, Sir Cedric rode alone—silent and composed as always.
But here, among my strange, chaotic family... it felt like home.
By the time we reached the Capital, night had already fallen, but the city was alive in a way I'd never seen before.
Golden lights blazed from every window, torches lined the streets like rivers of fire, and banners of the Kingdom's crest fluttered in the cool evening breeze. Laughter and music filled the air, mixing with the sound of clattering mugs and stamping feet as people celebrated with wild abandon.
The streets were packed, overflowing with cheering crowds. Families, merchants, and soldiers alike—faces still dirtied from battle—gathered in a tide of jubilation. Children sat on their parents' shoulders, waving makeshift flags. Vendors called out, offering free drinks and roasted meats to anyone who passed.
As our cart rumbled into the city square, the cheers rose to a deafening roar.
Before I could process it, Kael launched himself from the cart with his usual lack of subtlety, landing smoothly on its roof like he belonged there. He threw both arms wide, grinning from ear to ear.
"That's right!" he shouted, basking in the crowd's adoration. "I'm Kael! Savior of the Kingdom! Hero of the Hour!"
The crowd erupted even louder, chanting his name. He struck a dramatic pose, hand on his chest, soaking in every ounce of attention like it was his birthright.
I couldn't help but laugh, shaking my head as Roderick groaned beside me. "He's gonna be insufferable after this," he muttered.
Rowan just smirked. "After? He's already there."
Still, for the first time in a long while... the sound of celebration felt right.
We dismounted from the cart as the palace gates swung open, revealing the gleaming marble steps leading up to the King's Hall. The air felt different—lighter, almost reverent, as though the stone itself understood the significance of what had just been achieved.
We moved in unspoken unity, forming a line before King Alden's towering throne. His piercing eyes regarded us with something I had rarely seen from him—respect.
Rowan, of course, remained standing while the rest of us knelt. His arms crossed over his broad chest, face set in his usual stoic expression. The King's gaze lingered on him briefly but made no comment. By now, even royalty knew better than to challenge Rowan Hale.
King Alden rose slowly, his heavy cloak of royal blue trailing behind him as he descended the throne's marble steps. His voice, steady and commanding as ever, echoed through the hall:
"You have done what many believed impossible." His words were measured but carried undeniable warmth. "The last demon... gone. The war... ended."
His sharp gaze swept over each of us. "You have given this Kingdom what I could not... peace."
Roderick bowed his head slightly, fists resting on his knees in solemn acknowledgment. Even Kael—still riding high from the city's cheers—lowered his head, for once struck silent by the weight of the moment.
King Alden continued, "For your service, each of you shall be rewarded accordingly. Land, titles, and gold—whatever may secure your futures."
He paused, his expression softening ever so slightly. "But no reward can equal the debt this Kingdom owes you... and what I owe you."
For a fleeting moment, I thought I saw something like gratitude flicker in his storm-gray eyes—something far deeper than royal obligation.
King Alden drew in a measured breath, his gaze steady and commanding once more.
"You fought when others fled. You endured when others faltered. You sacrificed, knowing there would be no guarantee of survival." His voice rose with quiet intensity, filling the vast hall. "It is because of you that the Kingdom stands unbroken."
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle over us. Even Rowan's hardened expression seemed to shift, if only slightly.
"Though the price was steep, you paid it willingly. History will remember your names—etched in stone, sung in halls long after we are gone."
He straightened, the full presence of a ruler washing over us. "Rise, Heroes of the Realm."
We obeyed, standing as equals, no longer bound by war or rank. The hall echoed with the faint rustle of armor and cloaks as we lifted our heads, facing the King—not as subjects, but as legends.
His lips curved into something just shy of a smile. "Go now. Rest, live, and be free. For you have earned the peace you fought for."
With that, he turned and ascended the marble steps back to his throne, leaving us standing in solemn silence.
For the first time in what felt like forever, the weight of destiny slipped from my shoulders—and I breathed.
As the King's words faded into the grandeur of the hall, Susan burst through the gathering, her arms wrapping around me in a bone-crushing hug that knocked the air from my lungs. Her voice trembled with relief.
"I thought you were dead, you stubborn fool!" she whispered fiercely, clutching me like she'd never let go. "We have got to celebrate this."
I managed a breathless laugh, patting her back. "Thank you... but I think I just want to rest with my family." My eyes drifted toward Roderick, deep in conversation with Rowan near the grand hearth.
Susan followed my gaze and smirked. "He's handsome."
I playfully punched her arm. "Don't. He has a wife and a son."
"Oh, fine." She rolled her eyes dramatically—only for Kael to stride up with his signature cocky grin, one eyebrow raised.
"But you can have me," he said, arms spread wide in mock invitation.
Susan crossed her arms, unimpressed. "And who exactly are you, kid?"
Kael's grin widened. "Like the King said—Hero of the Realm."
I left them to their banter, shaking my head with an exasperated smile, and walked toward Roderick.
Rowan saw me first and pulled me into a firm embrace—his grip rough but warm, his usual gruffness softening just a bit. No words were needed. When we pulled apart, Roderick was already by my side, his presence steady and comforting.
Together, we left the palace behind, walking through the jubilant streets where music and laughter echoed into the night. The air smelled of roasted meats, flowers, and distant fireworks—celebration in every breath.
We finally reached Roderick's home—a small, sturdy cottage tucked into a quiet street. It was smaller than the house in Hollowbrook but still warm and welcoming.
Before I could knock, the door flew open, and Elara rushed out, wrapping her arms around me with a fierce, protective hug. Her breath hitched with emotion.
"You're home," she whispered.
And for the first time in what felt like forever... I was.
Elara's embrace nearly crushed the breath out of me, her familiar warmth flooding over me like a long-lost memory. She clung to me tightly, trembling just a little, her face buried against my shoulder.
"I thought... I thought we'd never see you again," she whispered, her voice cracking with relief.
I held her just as fiercely, breathing in the comforting scent of home—baking bread, firewood, and something uniquely hers. "I'm here," I murmured, feeling my throat tighten. "I'm finally home."
From behind, I heard the soft patter of small feet. Breon stood hesitantly in the doorway, half-hidden, his wide, curious eyes watching us with a mix of caution and hope.
I broke from Elara, kneeling down to his level. "Hey there," I said gently. "You've grown so much."
He hesitated for only a heartbeat before running straight into my arms, his little hands clutching my cloak tightly. "Auntie Thalia!" he cried.
Tears prickled at the corners of my eyes as I held him close, feeling the weight of everything finally lift. After everything—the battles, the demons, the endless nightmares—this was real.
Home. Family. Peace.
The table groaned beneath the weight of Elara's cooking—a feast that smelled of roasted meats, freshly baked bread, and rich, spiced stews that warmed the air. Steamed vegetables glistened with herbs, and a tray of honey-drizzled pastries sat temptingly near the edge, begging to be devoured.
Breon, with an eager grin and a mouth half-full of food, recounted tales of his lessons at the magic school. "I can cast a summoning spells now! Just summon a fire golem yesterday!" His hands gestured wildly, nearly knocking over a cup of mulled cider.
Elara gently steadied Breon's cup before it could tip, her warm smile never fading. "Slow down, Breon. The food's not running away."
Breon sat up straighter, wiping his mouth hastily. His dark eyes gleamed with the thrill of a story he was clearly eager to share. "I dueled Master Aric last week! He tried to cast a binding ward on me, but I countered it before he could finish the spell!" His chest puffed with pride. "He said I was the fastest student he's ever seen."
I couldn't help but smile. "You sound like quite the mage already."
Breon's gaze fixed on me, fierce with determination. "Do you think I could fight monsters someday? Like you and Dad?"
Roderick, seated at the head of the table, let out a deep, knowing chuckle as he carved another thick slice of meat. "Monsters won't care how fast you are, boy," he said, his voice steady but warm. "You win by keeping a clear head... and eating all your vegetables."
Breon groaned, dramatically poking at a roasted carrot on his plate. "Vegetables don't make you stronger!"
Roderick raised a brow. "Is that what you'll tell the monsters when they're breathing down your neck?"
Breon sighed but relented, spearing the carrot with his fork as though vanquishing a great foe.
Elara laughed softly as she passed around more bread. I leaned back, letting the warmth of family and home settle over me like a comforting spell.
For once... everything felt right.
Later, after a long, blissful soak in a warm bath scented with lavender, I slipped into the softest bed I'd felt in months. The familiar creak of the old wooden house settled around me like a protective cocoon.
I closed my eyes, expecting the familiar edge of fear to linger... but there was nothing. No demons. No dark whispers.
Just silence.
For the first time in a long, long while... I slept.
And this time, I dreamed of nothing.
THE END.