Maybe, in the end, they both let one another down.

Tyr slowly lifts a hand, and I don’t know if it’s a signal for something because Atlas loses it then, thrashing, bucking, crying.

“You think he’d accept this with some dignity,” Erevan says under his breath.

And I shake my head. I knew he wouldn’t.

It takes two more warders to wrestle Atlas under control until finally they force his head onto the chopping block, his cheek pressed to the rough wood. He stares out at the crowd, and then his gaze falls on me again before an entire lifetime passes in that look.

He struggles with his restraints as the executioner walks up to the block, swinging his axe. It’s then Atlas goes still, his gaze sweeping over the crowds chanting for his head. Slowly, he studies them all as another tear leaks from the corner of his eye and drips over the bridge of his nose. What does he understand in this moment?

The executioner waits for the signal, and I take another breath that does nothing to settle the churning in my gut.

As I give him a dip of my chin—the signal to proceed—I feel myself moving in slow motion, willing myself not to throw up.

In a few seconds, there will be no turning back.

Atlas’s eyes move to me, and they stay there, watching me. Weighing me. Surprisingly, there is no accusation in his expression, only sadness.

Erevan shifts closer, his shoulder brushing mine.

“You don’t have to watch,” he murmurs.

“I know.”

But I must.

To find closure in this chapter of my life.

I must.

The executioner lifts his axe as thunder booms overhead and the rain falls harder. I blink drops out of my eyes as they mingle with the tears that slide down my cheeks.

Around the courtyard are shaking shoulders and bent heads and so many more tears.

Despite everything, for a little while, he was their king.

The axe falls, and as much as I want to look away, I force myself to bear witness to it as it slices clean through Atlas’s neck and then . . .

The false Sun King is gone, and there is only the sound of the rain.

CHAPTER 56

NADIR

THE AURORA KEEP

Imake my way towards Amya’s wing later that evening.

Lor is waiting in my room, where my people will keep her presence a secret. I don’t like leaving her alone, but she can take care of herself. What I must do tonight, I must do without her at my side.