A giant structure covered in shimmering cloth stands in the center, and at Erevan’s gesture, it’s hauled off, revealing a gold statue of Tyr, our god. He stands proudly with his chin up and his gaze to the sky. He looks like the man I remember.

The man who gave up this life to give Lor hers.

The man who gave up this life, hoping to find purpose in another.

I’ve gone to visit Tyr once already, and finally, I think he’s content.

Two months later, I’m standing on a balcony overlooking the sea as I inhale a deep breath, contemplating my next move. I’ve been helping Erevan establish his rule, and now that he’s comfortable, I think I’m ready for a break. I’m ready for some distance from this place and a chance to just exist. I don’t want any responsibilities or weight on my shoulders. I want to just breathe.

Aphelion is better than ever. We cleaned up the effects of the quake and other disasters and word is everything is back to normal across Ouranos. Fae of every kind are thriving, and the populace is finally at peace.

We tore down the tower where Tyr spent so many years. In fact, we closed off the entire wing of the palace. Maybe someday it will become something useful again, but for now, I think we’re all content to forget its existence.

The new garden in the Sixteenth District is blooming, perfuming the air with hundreds of roses. People come in droves to visit, especially at night, thanks to the inexplicable presence of thousands of lightning bugs that flit between the petals.

Lor’s friends and former Tributes, Halo and Marici, have taken on the task of caring for it. Though I said I’d hire someone, they categorically refused and can be found there lovingly tending the gardens almost every day.

Lor promises to come and see it when she arrives for their bonding ceremony in a few weeks.

I’m leaning on my elbows when a sound draws my attention to where Hylene watches me. She’s been living with Nerissa in the Eighth District, helping where she can. We haven’t had much time to spend together as I’ve been so busy with Erevan. But I dream of her. I think about her all the time.

She’s as breathtaking as always, wearing a simple yellow gown that sets off her fiery hair.

“Hi,” she says, tipping her head with a soft smile.

“Hey,” I say, turning around to face her.

“What are you doing?”

I shrug. “Just wondering what I do next.”

“Any ideas?”

She stops in front of me and peers up.

“I was thinking I’d find a quiet place to live for a while. Cedar offered me a cabin in his forest right on the shore so I don’t have to miss the sound of the ocean.”