Chapter 48. Epilogue: Maris

Maris watches Valshad’s green banners crest the hills and descend toward the refugee camp, where displaced Isarians have gathered since their expulsion. The legion, usually delivering rations and water, arrives with its General, signaling a more decisive purpose. Maris reflects on the dust-laden life of exile, the gods’ cuff still clasped to her arm, and Théo’s quiet vigilance as he tends their meager fire.

Commotion builds at the camp’s front as a Valshadi legionnaire—an arresting woman with pale eyes and blond hair—addresses the crowd. She promises rations, training, armor, and weapons to any who join Valshad to take back Isara, declaring the siege underway and the city the people’s birthright. Awe and hope ripple through the listeners as the offer reframes their displacement as a path home.

Maris feels the cuff burn and recognizes the opportunity it represents: a way back into Isara and toward Luca. When the legionnaire asks who will answer, Maris instinctively raises her hand. Théo tries to stop her, urging they stay out of sight, but the legionnaire notices Maris’s resolve.

Breaking from Théo’s grasp, Maris steps forward and publicly commits to the Valshadi cause. Théo protests, but Maris asserts her autonomy—he made his choice at the gates, and now she makes hers—pledging to join the effort to breach Isara and reclaim her place beside Luca.