68. Everen: The Coming Dawn

A pre-dawn tremor wakes Everen and Arcady beneath a sky shimmering with Veil colors. Expecting danger, Everen instead senses the Dreamer resettle, releasing gentle power as magic drifts like snow. On the horizon, the long-lost island of Vere Celene reemerges, its dragon-carved head revealed after centuries.

From the distance, a flight of dragons approaches. Fear that Queen Naccara might lead them turns to shock and relief when Everen recognizes Cassia at the fore. Through shared fate-visions, they see Loc in turmoil and Cassia landing at the Citadel amid drawn bows and held breath.

The vision shows Sar Ansel stepping forward to greet Cassia and later serving on an emergency Consul. Everen and Arcady glimpse the long work ahead: healing the dragonstone, banishing blight and red tide, and navigating fervor and fear—Myria’s coveting and Jask’s condemnation threaten conflict.

Confronted with a choice—hide their unprecedented bond or openly affirm it—Everen and Arcady decide visibility offers the best path to peace. Arcady climbs onto Everen, and together they take flight toward the capital on the morning the Lumet learns dragons are real, determined to help shape what comes next.