The storm had passed.
Moonshine stood in eerie stillness, as if the entire realm held its breath. The black clouds had vanished, leaving behind a sky painted with soft purples and golden hues. Sunlight peeked through shattered towers. The streets, though scarred, pulsed with life.
Tara stood atop the palace ruins, staring at the horizon.
Jasmine approached silently, her armor scorched, one blade chipped at the edge. "It's over."
Tara shook her head slowly. "No. It's just beginning."
A Kingdom Wounded
Every corner of the city needed rebuilding—homes, temples, schools. The people gathered in the square, lighting candles for the fallen and tying charms for the future.
Neha worked tirelessly with the healers, using her newfound magic to restore broken limbs and mend bones. Jasmine helped rally the warriors to secure the last of the remaining shadow creatures that still lingered in hidden pockets.
And Tara?
She walked among them—queen in everything but title.
Children whispered her name. Elders bowed. Some cried. Some simply stared. But no one questioned her anymore. She *was* the heart of Moonshine.
The Secret Door
One quiet evening, Tara found herself drawn back to the old temple where she had first met Jasmine. The door that had once only opened for the chosen—now glowed again, faintly.
Inside, at the altar, lay a small box carved from moonstone.
A note etched in its lid read:
*"For the One Who Chose Light."*
She opened it.
Inside was a feather—shimmering and golden, not from this world. It radiated warmth, like a heartbeat.
"Is this… yours?" she asked softly, knowing somehow that Jasmine had left it long ago.
The voice echoed in her mind.
*"No. It's yours now. You've earned it."*
The Farewell Flame
The next day, the city held a grand ritual.
Not a coronation—but a *cleansing*. To say goodbye to what was lost, and welcome what was yet to come.
In the center of the plaza, they lit a great flame. Everyone placed something into it: an old weapon, a torn cloak, a shadow creature's mask. Symbols of the battle. Symbols of healing.
Tara placed her blade into the fire.
"I don't need to fight anymore," she whispered. "I need to lead."
Jasmine's Choice
That night, as stars blinked into view, Jasmine met Tara by the quiet lake outside the city walls.
"I'm leaving," Jasmine said.
Tara's breath caught. "Where?"
"To the mountains. There are other kingdoms. Other shadows rising. They need help."
Silence stretched between them like a river.
Then Tara smiled. "Then go. But promise me something."
"Anything."
"Don't forget your way home."
Jasmine smiled, touching the feather pinned at Tara's shoulder. "Never."
They embraced under the moonlight—two warriors, two souls forever bound by battle, love, and destiny.
A New Dawn
When the sun rose the next day, Moonshine awoke with it.
Children played in the square. Flowers bloomed on rooftops. Birds sang in the wind.
And in the center of it all stood Tara—not a queen, not a warrior.
But something new.
Something more.