| Epilogue |

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Heat ripples around me, waves of empty ash breaking from the ageless silk cloak hanging behind me. Wind is battering the immune fabric senseless, adding character which flutters away into shadow.

The sycamore trees, old and powerful, stand true in the setting sun. They offer darkness, safety, and life.

I watch life all around, small children bustling about with balls while their parents kiss as if they'd never have a tomorrow. Such a beautiful tomorrow, with nothing more meaningful than the moment they live in.

The man's dark hair ruffles, revealing pale features and dark eyes.

His partner's a gorgeous golden beauty. Her eyes light with passion and joy. A stark contrast to the moments reeling within those eyes.

Perhaps I should've removed those memories, even against the painful wishes never to forget.

Noah finds joy in the arms of his wife.

I find mine in watching, realms way, only to feel the same heat and breeze aching against my skin as it once did.

Nothing pleasant comes from this sensation, nothing worthy of meaning.

This planet, these people were lost to me.

I left the chains they'd once bound me in, forced me to comply to.

But Noah, the strong, brave man I once knew. He deserved his freedom in the welcoming bond those chains brought upon him.

Feeling a shift beside me, a heavy hand is placed on my shoulder and I sigh.

"It's time to go," Demetri says softly.

His features, still ageless and calm, smiling down at me. Torment and grief missing in the golden rings, a pain I'd seen so many times extinguished. Even the way with which he carried himself grew confident again.

Brave.

I wouldn't have been able to make this decision if it weren't for him, wouldn't have attempted such a feat without knowing this man.

So, of course, he beckons to me.

I nod. "Yes, it is."

There is more to do, more to hold hope for than just a single reality.

So, for the final time, I turn and leave those empty chains behind.

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