On the fifth night, frost rolled in from the east.
By morning, the walls were glazed in crystal. The air shimmered.
And Astraea returned.
She stood at the gates of the Academy, flanked by ice-armored warriors from the Frostbound Courts. Her eyes met mine across the courtyard.
"I told them I'd serve the Architect or none," she said. "They chose exile."
I blinked. "You gave up your crown."
"I gave up a throne that wanted my power, not my choice."
She stepped forward, and to my surprise—hugged me.
Just briefly. But her arms were real. Cold. Steady.
Seraphina appeared from the archway, a slight smirk on her face. "You always did have flair for timing, Astraea."
"And you always did need backup," Astraea replied.
The others gathered, one by one. Yuria whistled. Zephira snorted. Lilith merely smiled.
I stood in the center, heart pounding.
For the first time, all five stood with me again.
Whole. Reunited.
And ready to face the end.