Jeid spoke in a deep, clear voice that filled the hall, soothing as distant thunder in a fading storm. "For many years we hid. In northern caves. In southern cities. In forests and in deserts, in tribes and towns, in the wilderness and in the hives of great civilizations. All our lives, the people of the world hunted us, called us cursed, diseased, weredragons to be hunted and killed. But we united. Together we stood strong. Together we told the world: You cannot hunt us. We are not monsters. We are Vir Requis, and we have a kingdom."

The people raised their lanterns and cried out their approval.

Laira spoke next, her voice higher and softer but no less clear. "We've all suffered great losses in our war. We lost friends. We lost family. We lost something inside us; we will forever carry those scars. I lost a sister, a brother, a mother. I lost even the magic of starlight. But I gained a home. This home is precious. Requiem is a gift to always cherish, protect, and nurture. We will keep building our humble kingdom. For thousands of years, generations will look back upon us. They will remember us as those who kindled the fire, who first stood together, who set our ship upon its course." She raised her child in her arms, holding the girl up for all to see. "We will pass this torch of starlight to a new generation. May our children find peace. May they know only a Requiem of light."

Jeid spoke again, and now he lowered his head, and his voice was softer. "I am humbled that you've chosen me to be your king, that you followed me in war, that you follow me now in peace. I stand here thanks to the sacrifices of others. Of your brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers. Of my own daughter whose name lives on in our kingdom. Of Issari who shines in our sky. Of hundreds who sing in the starlit halls above, a twin to our palace below. I will not forget their sacrifice, and I vow to you, Requiem: I will lead you on a path of starlight, and I will not stray from it to the left or right." He shifted into a dragon. "Requiem! May our wings forever find your sky."

Holding their child, Laira climbed onto his back, and Jeid took flight. Around him, five hundred other dragons soared. They flew above the halls and shadowy forest, and their stars shone above. When Laira looked up, she imagined that she could see them there: her mother, her brother, her sister, smiling and at peace. She knew they were proud of her.

As the wind streamed around them, and as Jeid glided beneath her, Laira held her daughter close to her breast.