Chapter 988 – The Two Queens
The air in the council terrace had gone still—so still that the faint hum of the Stellar Engine below was the only sound that dared intrude. Kael stood where he always did when thinking too deeply, one hand braced on the railing as if the world itself might shift if he let go.
Lyria and Eris stood together now, not apart. The faint shimmer of the barrier lights caught on the white strands of Lyria's hair and the dark gleam of Eris's, the two women looking—finally—united in something unspoken.
Lyria exhaled softly, stepping forward. "Kael," she began, her voice calm but steady. "There's something we need to make clear before any misunderstandings take root."
Kael arched a brow, already knowing where this was going, but letting her speak.
"This," Lyria continued, glancing briefly toward Eris, "what Eris and I share—it doesn't take anything away from what we have. You're still my partner. My place beside you hasn't changed."
Kael's lips twitched in that half-grin of his. "I didn't think it had."
Eris shifted beside her, gaze steady as ever. "Nor do I wish to replace her," she said firmly. "Lyria is… important to you, and to me. What I wish is to join that bond—not weaken it."
Kael finally turned to face them fully. "So you're both saying—"
"That nothing has changed," Lyria finished for him, her voice softening. "Only expanded."
Eris inclined her head, the faintest hint of warmth in her usually even tone. "You once said affection is a bond to be respected. We agree. And if we are to share in it, then we must do so together."
Lyria smiled faintly, reaching to rest her hand on Eris's. "She's right, Kael. You're still the man I chose to stand beside—my king. But I think it's time you accept that you'll have two queens."
That made Kael laugh—a deep, genuine sound that echoed softly in the hollow chamber. He rubbed the back of his neck, shaking his head with an almost boyish grin.
"I can't tell if I should be terrified or honored," he said, voice warm with disbelief.
"Both," Lyria teased.
Kael's laughter faded into something quieter, his chest easing with a long breath. "I knew that's what this meant," he admitted, "but… it's good to hear it said aloud."
Eris tilted her head, curiosity flickering. "Why? You seemed certain already."
"Because," Kael said, glancing at both of them, "for once, I'm not guessing. You two… you chose this together. And that means more than anything."
Lyria's expression softened. "You don't have to carry the world alone, Kael. Not anymore. You have us."
He smiled at that—small, genuine, and full of quiet pride. "You both realize what you're getting into, right? Sharing a life with me isn't exactly easy."
Eris's reply came with the faintest curve of her lips. "Neither is being reborn, yet here I am."
Lyria smirked. "We've survived gods, wars, and your council meetings. I think we'll manage."
That made Kael chuckle under his breath, shaking his head again as he stepped closer to them. The golden light of the terrace bathed the three in soft glow—his aura brushing theirs, powerful but gentle.
"I'm lucky," he said finally. "And I don't say that often."
Eris's gaze lingered on him, almost thoughtful. "Perhaps not luck," she said. "Perhaps fate."
Lyria slipped her arm through his, her other hand resting against Eris's shoulder. The image was oddly natural—the three of them standing together, unified not by blood or command, but by choice.
"Two queens, one king," Lyria murmured, half teasing, half proud. "Sounds like the start of a legend."
Kael gave a small, knowing grin. "Then let's make sure it's one worth remembering."
For a long while, the three simply stood there, overlooking the Hollow's shimmering skyline. The air carried peace—the kind that came after storms and gods and bloodshed.
And for the first time in a long time, Kael felt whole.