Epilogue

Moving through ash and snow, Sereme tracks a precise gravesite using a metal locator and begins to dig. She uncovers two bodies: Arkyn’s mutilated corpse and a redheaded female she deliberately leaves buried to prevent revival. Sereme’s focus is singular—recover Arkyn and convert his failure into her leverage.

Sereme chastises Arkyn’s corpse while producing the Book of Voyd from her satchel to confirm its security, then retrieves a blood-binding vial. She slices a piece of Arkyn’s frozen flesh and feeds it into the vial, ensuring a tie that will aid her control. She drenches Arkyn in spirits and readies a silver weald to spark Ignos.

With a flick, Sereme ignites the body. As flames roar and Clode, the curious Creator, squeals and scatters, Sereme waits for Ignos to consume and transform Arkyn—expecting a rebirth that guarantees otherworldly devotion rather than betrayal. She keeps her distance, intent on the outcome rather than the man he was.

Amid the smoke, a weathered, starving male is drawn to the blaze. Sereme recognizes the opportunity and greets him: Haedeon Neván, recently returned and disoriented, lured by fire and the scent of burning flesh. She offers food, positioning herself as benefactor and guide just as Arkyn’s flames writhe with phoenixlike promise.

By chapter’s end, Sereme secures the means to command Arkyn’s coming form and begins enlisting Haedeon. Her quiet, ruthless consolidation of power sets a new board after the upheaval—Book safeguarded, a reborn champion in progress, and a revived prince nudged into her orbit.