Astoria De Vil had gotten her wish—Valdor was flourishing. With the new flow of money, people were content and managed to rebuild the place. Darklings populated the area, but some went back to Archemoros, like Ankou and Isla, since their duties were fulfilled.

The Border separating the Slums and the Viscount Kingdom was gone, destroyed. The position of king and queen was missing, but many Viscount folks were coming forward to say they preferred it that way. They wanted a council with the public's judgement as well. While peace was still afar, it was on the horizon.

Elias Lennox was the one who led, taking up Astoria's responsibilities. He was known as the Lord of Dread in respect for the Lady of Dread. Elias was stepping on the roof of the De Vil Manor, ripping open a letter that Paloma sent him.

Dear Elias,

It's been almost a month since the Battle of Words, but it left just like yesterday. Ire and I are making rounds around Valdor to provide support, but we also privately eloped a few days ago. While I'll miss Hugo, I'm very happy with Ire.

I miss Astoria as well, it's her birthday today, and you're celebrating it alone. She would have been so happy to see Valdor flourish along with the Border being taken down. I hope to hear from you soon.

With much love, Paloma Yearwood.

Elias sniffled, wiping away his tears. Aperire 8th, Astoria's birthday, she was finally eighteen. He wished Paloma and Ire Cross a good marriage, but he had no one else now. His father and Lady Kindi were unwelcoming, he knew that.

Gazing up at the stars, Elias tried to smile. "I miss you, Tori."

"I'm right here, Eli."

Elias stood up, turning around, wide-eyed. There stood Astoria De Vil, black hair regrown with a new glint in her gray eyes. Behind her was Nayleen Crest and Foxe Grendels, holding hands like the day they died. Zinnia Xing crossed her arms, intimidating as ever. Ankou stood by Zinnia, waving at Elias.

This is a facade, it's a dream, he told himself as he approached. "Astoria?" Elias asked, bewildered. This couldn't be real, Astoria died in his arms, and she couldn't possibly be standing here.

"It's me, Hawk," she said, almost grinning ear-to-ear. "We cheated death! Well, sort of, it mainly involved very lengthy Darkling meetings. We were heroes according to them, I even got to meet Mother and Madam Sunna again—" She was stopped when Elias wrestled her into a hug.

"You're back." He released her, dusting his sleeves. "Happy birthday by the way."

She smiled. "You remembered."

Nayleen gave an obvious laugh. "Sorry to ruin the moment, but Foxe and I are going to head back to Grendels Estate. Good night, everyone." Nayleen and Foxe walked away, down the ladder that led to the interior of the De Vil Manor.

Elias slid his hands inside his pockets. "Wait, so they released you all from Archemoros?"

Ankou nodded. "The Darklings saw their sacrifices as acts of valour, all except Thatcher's. Celeste and Isla are staying behind in Archemoros, Celeste wants to look after the Darklings." He glanced at Astoria. "You and Celeste must be sisters after all."

Elias snorted. "Things are improving in Valdor and the Viscount Kingdom, but the kingdom is missing a leader. I can't provide much guidance for Viscount, they need another council, but without the pressure of a monarchy."

"Zinny, you could join the Council of Viscount, you'll be a representative with fresh eyes. We need you," Ankou suggested, which made Zinnia's cheeks go pink. Zinny? Ankou and Zinnia must have gotten closer since the Battle of Words.

"You were born to be a great leader, much better than Thatcher for sure," Astoria added.

"I'll think about it." Zinnia regained her composure, straightening. "Come on, Ankou, let's leave these lovebirds a moment to themselves." Ankou crackled with laughter as they went down the ladder.

"So..." Elias couldn't contain his joy. "You're back."

"I'm sorry for dying and leaving," Astoria blurted, reddening. Elias wasn't sure when he started developing feelings for this girl, but he was glad he did. She stepped forward, slipping her hands into his.

Elias was sure he was having a heart attack at that moment.

"You know, I never thanked you enough."

"I never told you I loved you enough." The words tumbled out of his mouth. Astoria scrunched up her nose, shaking her head, laughing under her breath. They turned around, facing the stars.

"When I saw Mother and Madam Sunna, I told all about you." She stifled back her laughs. "They said they were proud of me—of us—for changing Valdor's and Viscount's future."

"I'm proud of you too, Tori."

Astoria tilted back her head. "Me too, you know why? Because we ended the reign of the Vicious Kingdom."