Seraphina stood alone.

The golden bridge stretched endlessly before her, suspended over a bottomless abyss filled with shimmering starlight.

The temple had become unnaturally quiet.

There was no sign of Lucien.

No sign of the others.

Only silence.

She took a cautious step forward.

The bridge glowed beneath her feet.

Then a familiar voice echoed around her.

"Seraphina..."

She froze.

"Mother?"

Ahead of her stood Queen Elowen.

Tears filled her mother's eyes.

"My daughter... come home."

Seraphina's heart tightened.

Her mother walked toward her, smiling warmly.

"You've suffered enough."

"You don't have to marry the Cursed King."

"We can still save you."

For one fleeting moment, Seraphina wanted to run...