I watch as Tyr turns to Gabriel, and they stare at one another, both of them holding very still. I swear I can feel the moment they both accept that this is the end for them. The air around them seems to bend and then settle into another place, but maybe this is what they all need.

“I love you,” Gabriel says, choking on the words. “I’m sorry that I let you down so many times.”

Tyr shakes his head and then wraps his arms around Gabriel.

“You were the only light in my life during all those years. I would have died without you, Gabe. Never forget that. I love you too.”

They cling to one another as their tears flow and their shoulders shake.

“He will be able to visit you,” the Empyrium says gently. “From time to time.”

“I’ll come whenever I can,” Gabriel says, and Tyr nods. They squeeze each other’s hands, and Tyr kisses Gabriel’s knuckles.

“Be happy,” Tyr says. “Promise me you’ll stop blaming yourself. None of it was ever your fault.”

Gabriel blows out a long, slow breath. “I’ll try,” he says before Tyr then turns to Erevan. They exchange a few quiet words, and then Tyr faces the Empyrium. He straightens his posture and smooths down the front of his beige tunic. I’ve seen the Sun King only a few times, but already, he seems like a different person. Like someone who dragged himself back from the teetering edge.

“I’m ready,” he says, looking at me.

“Wait,” I call. I stand up, run across the room, and throw my arms around his neck. He stumbles from my weight but catches himself as he squeezes me back.

“Thank you,” I say. “Thank you for offering yourself.”

“It is not a burden,” he answers, a gentle hand settling on my back. “It will be my honor to stand in this place and allow you this life, Heart Queen. It was over for me. Perhaps I can find peace in this next one.”

I pull back and nod before he turns to the Empyrium. “Take me then.”

“It is done,” they say, and then in a flash of soft white light, our surroundings melt away.

A moment later, we all stand amongst the ruins of Heart, blinking at one another.

I sway on my feet, then fall to my knees and press my forehead to the hard stone, savoring the feel of solid ground and the unmistakable scent of roses.

Finally.

I am home.

CHAPTER 74

LOR

QUEENDOM OF HEART