Chapter 78 — Korthrax's Whisper
The peace was deeper than they had dared hope.
For nearly two full months after the Festival of Embers, the kingdom enjoyed something close to true tranquility. The largest rift remained subdued. Celestial incursions had grown rare and disorganized. Nyxara's agents had gone silent. The people threw themselves into rebuilding with renewed energy — markets flourished, hybrid academies expanded, and the Ember Harvest brought record yields.
Liora and Cairis allowed themselves to sink into it.
They spent long mornings in bed, lazy afternoons exploring hidden corners of the palace, and quiet evenings on their favorite balcony overlooking the volcanic valley. The soul bond felt stronger than it had in months — warm, steady, and harmonious. The Veilheart Keystone glowed consistently on its pedestal, its twilight light a comforting presence.
