The Dragon King and His Fallen Star novel Chapter 189

EIRLYS’ POV

I had turned this decision over in my mind countless times. And as the hour of the ceremonial rite approaches, the more certain I become that my heart is right. Ever since I returned from

Heavenreach-after Seraphael and Helios took me there-the thought had quietly taken root, its pull growing stronger each day.

A few weeks after giving birth, I returned to Heaven reach once more to seek the guardians’

counsel. To my joy-and relief-they approved.

Ulyanna and Scylla followed close behind as we neared the garden. What had once been a barren stretch now pulsed with life. Blooms of every color ined the winding paths-silver irises, golden sunblooms, and swarms of tiny luminous insects drifting like stardust. Even the birds seemed to

sing in delight, their melodies weaving through the canopy of ancient trees.

At the heart of the garden stood a raised basin of star metal. Nethros himself had gifted the ore,

and Ashteryn had shaped it with his own hands. Around it, seven standing stones rose in a perfect

circle, their runes pulsing faintly with living magic.

As Kierygan and I stepped into the clearing, Queen Valeria turned toward us. She looked radiant in her golden gown, her presence blending with the light that danced across the

seamless

blossoms.

“Your Majesties,” she said, her voice bright with awe. “It is an honor beyond words to be invited here. I still can’t believe I’ve truly set foot in Val’Thirael. It’s… even more magnificent than the legends claim.”

Kierygan inclined his head, his tone smooth and composed. “The pleasure is ours, Queen Valeria.

You honor us with your presence.”

Valeria’s smile deepened, a touch of wonder softening her expression as her gaze swept over the

garden once more.

Not long after, the garden began to fill with familiar faces.

Callum was the first to arrive, striding toward us with his usual swagger. “How much longer before

we start?” he asked, folding his arms.

“Patience,” Evander drawled as he appeared beside Scylla. “We’re still waiting for two more

important guests.”

Moments later, Ashteryn emerged. His hair was neatly tied at the nape of his neck, and-for once-

he’d made an effort to dress for the occasion.

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Epilogue: Everglow

Claim

All eyes turned as Chief Rhaanzel stepped forward The orc chieftain’s heavy footsteps seemed to make the very stones tremble beneath him.

“It’s good to be back here,” Rhaanzel said, his deep voice carrying easily through the garden. His gaze swept over the blooming paths, the glowing blossoms, the hum of restored magic. ” Val’Thirael looks alive again, my Queen. You did well.”

A quiet pride stirred within me. “We all did,” I replied softly.

Before another word could be exchanged, a sudden whoosh of air swept through the garden, lifting the petals and making the light shimmer. My hair lifted in the breeze as a tall figure materialized near the edge of the basin-his crimson cloak rippling like living flame.

The newly crowned King Draven stood before us, a faint smirk curving his lips. “I hope I’m not too

late.”

Callum sighed, shaking his head. “Classic Moren entrance.”

Evander shot him a mock glare. “I was never late. And certainly never that dramatic.”

A ripple of soft laughter passed through the group before Kierygan cleared his throat and squeezed my hand.

“It’s time,” he murmured.

I drew a steady breath and let my gaze sweep across the circle. One by one, the leaders of each kin stepped forward to take their places beside the runed standing stones-Chief Rhaanzel for the Orcs, King Draven for the Vampires, Ulyanna for the Witches, Queen Valeria for the Humans, King Orryx for the Werewolves. Then Kierygan and I, standing together-for Dragons, and for the Fae.

I drew in a breath and stepped forward. “Welcome to the Garden of Everglow,” I began, my voice carrying softly but clearly through the quiet. “Thank you for answering my call.”

Their eyes followed me. Some curious, some cautious. I folded my hands before me. “I called you here not to wage another war, but to protect the peace we have finally won. To preserve the way of living we fought so dearly to reclaim.”

A murmur rippled among the gathered leaders, quickly silenced as I continued. “After the Light Reaper’s attack, we were left devastated. Countless lives lost, countless hearts dimmed-just to take the grains of light entrusted to me. I will not allow that kind of destruction to happen again.”

I glanced toward the basin, the faint glow of its surface reflecting in my eyes. “That is why I ask this of you all: to stand as earthly guardians of the light. Together, we can ensure that no darkness will ever touch it again. Let the light not rest in one hand, or one kingdom, but in the care of many.”

“I believe these seven grains entrusted to me were never meant to be hidden or hoarded. They. were given to be shared with the world. And today. I return them to the earth.”

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Epilogue Everglow

Claim

I drew a steady breath and placed my hand over my chest. One by one, the grains of light began to rise from within me, hovering softly above my palm Unlike when the Light Reaper tried to rip them. from me, this time it didn’t hurt because they were given willingly.

Grain by grain, I lowered them into the starmetal basin. Each time one settled, the basin pulsed, then shone brighter. With every grain released, my chest felt lighter, yet fuller in a way only hope

could fill.

When the seventh grain came to rest, a hush fell over the garden. Kierygan stepped forward first,

letting a single drop of his blood fall into the basin, mingling with the light. Orryx followed, then

Ulyanna, King Draven, Queen Valeria, and finally Chief Rhaanzel. Their blood shimmered, weaving through the grains like threads of life itself.

I lowered my hand, letting a drop of my own blood fall into the basin. Then I lifted both hands to

the heavens, calling out with every fiber of my being. The sky answered; the air seemed to hold its

breath. Slowly, a ring of soft, radiant light descended, forming a shield over the basin. It stretched

outward, encompassing the standing stones and the entire garden-linking earth and sky in a

single, unbroken circle.

“Now both earth and heaven guard the light,” I whispered, awe threading through my voice. “No

darkness shall ever touch it again.”

Kierygan pressed close, resting his forehead against mine. “You did it,” he murmured. I could only smile, letting relief, hope, and exhaustion wash over me like a gentle tide.

The ceremony was complete-but the light, and the promise it carried, would forever glow.

The moment we returned to Solmere, Kierygan and I made our way to the nursery. Nibbles hopped ahead, padding silently down the hall as if he already knew exactly where we were going.

By the time we reached the room, Grace and Emma were there, each cradling one of the twins. Emma looked up, her soft voice greeting us, “Your Majesties.”

I smiled, the weight of the day momentarily forgotten. “How are the babies? Did they give you any

trouble?”

Emma shook her head, casting a secretive glance at Kierygan, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. ” Handled worse,” she replied casually.

I raised a brow at Kierygan, who immediately faked a frown. “What exactly do you mean by that,

Emma?”

“Nothing, my king,” she said smoothly.

Grace cleared her throat, redirecting our attention. The little angels have been bathed, fed, and

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Epilogue, Everglow

are ready for bed.”

I lifted Aurora into my arms, her tiny fingers curling hstinctively around mine. Kierygan held Asterion close, cradling our quiet little fae with careful, steady hands.

They were perfect-so different, yet unmistakably curs.

Claim

As soon as we reached our chambers, Nibbles hopped ahead, ears perked, and went straight for the balcony door. He let out a soft squeak that made Aurora and Asterion giggle, their tiny bodies glowing faintly with delight-a sight that never failed to amaze us.

But Nibbles didn’t stop; his squeaks grew insistent, almost urgent, as if he were trying to show us something.

I leaned closer. “What is it, Nibbles?” I whispered. The rabbit bounded onto the balcony, then froze, unblinking, his gaze fixed on the night sky.

Kierygan and I stepped out, the twins cradled in our arms, following Nibbles’ stare.

“Those… those stars…” Kierygan murmured, his voice low, filled with awe. “That was never there before.”

He squinted, tracing the shapes forming in the constellations. They shimmered as if arranged with

intention. “It… kind of looks like…” he whispered. “Your father… in full armor, with his bow and arrow.

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And then it hit me all at once. My heart nearly stopped. “Gods!” I gasped. “They’ve finally found each other. He said when he finds my mother… I’ll know.” My voice trembled between joy and disbelief.

Kierygan leaned closer to Asterion, pointing toward the constellation. “Look, starlings,” he murmured softly. “Your grandpa’s saying hello.”

We lingered on the balcony a while longer, our eyes fixed on the stars until Aurora’s small head lolled against my chest, her breaths growing soft and even.

In silence, we returned inside and laid the twins in their cribs, each swaddled in silken blankets. My heart swelled at the sight of them.

I must have lingered too long, because I didn’t hear Kierygan move until I felt him-his warmth

pressing against my back, his arms encircling me with that quiet, unyielding possessiveness that

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