“Holy shit, you guys. Come look at this,” Rune called. She had stopped in front of the window, looking out into the courtyard beyond. “The sun is setting. The sun issetting!”
“Wow,” Koji said softly, then laughed incredulously. “Let’s go. The courtyard looks over the entire city. I bet the view is incredible.”
The dragon shifter scrambled to his feet, joining Rune as she flung the castle doors open and hurried outside. Florian and Kade exchanged a look, then Kade’s eyes softened as he smiled again—a sweet, tender smile, just for Florian.
“Want to go watch?” he said softly, and Florian nodded.
“Yeah, I do,” he replied.
Kade stood first, then helped Florian to his feet. He still felt a little wobbly, but his footing felt more secure with each step as Kade guided him through the long hall of the entryway. Florian hesitated at the threshold, suddenly worried he wouldn’t be able to set foot outside. Soleil had said the Summer Court, not just the castle, but what if he really was trapped within the boundary of its walls?
“It’s okay,” Kade said softly, sensing his trepidation. “I’ve got you.”
Florian took in a steadying breath, then stepped past the huge iron doors. He didn’t collapse or burst into flames as he stepped outside. In fact, he realized the Blight was entirely gone now—he knew that, but now the evidence was right in front of him. The sky, no longer burning white-hot, was a myriad of evening colors: blue and lavender and pink and orange. The air felt warm, but pleasantly so, a late summer evening. If the other kingdoms hadn’t realized already the Blight was gone, they would surely know soon.
Rune and Koji had hurried ahead, right up against the railing of a balcony just past the main entrance. Kade’s hand was warm in his as they walked. Everyone was smiling, happy and relieved. Florian couldn’t bring himself to tear his eyes away from them at first. This was worth it, wasn’t it? He was here with his friends, and the world was reborn. Whatever the future held, he was glad he’d be there to see it.
“I love you,” Florian said softly, just enough for Kade to hear. Kade leaned over and kissed his forehead.
“I love you too,” he replied. “We’ll be okay. No matter what happens.”
Florian nodded. He could believe it if it was Kade saying so.
Kade gave him one more small, tender smile, then looked out over the balcony, the orange evening light making his eyes glow all the brighter.
The hard part was over. Florian was here, he was safe, and he was loved. He wouldn’t be alone. Everything else would come later.
Finally, Florian turned to look out over the remains of the city and the valley beyond. The landscape was lit in the same glowing tangerine light, bathed in gentle warmth.
He stood with his friends and watched as, for the first time in two hundred years, the sun went down over the Veil.
