Deep beneath the surface of the magical world, miles below the transformed manor and the celebrating city, something stirred.
It had been sleeping for longer than any living creature could remember. Centuries upon centuries of silence, of darkness, of waiting. The old mages had bound it well, woven spells that should have lasted forever. But forever was a concept, and concepts could be broken.
The first crack appeared in the barrier that held it.
Then another.
Then a hundred more.
Far above, the sun shone on a world celebrating freedom. People danced in the streets. Children played without fear. Songs were sung about the boy who had defeated the Dark Lord.
None of them felt the tremor deep below.
None of them heard the whisper that echoed through stone and soil and bone.
Free.
The thing that had once been a god opened its eyes.
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