Elira and Kael journey to the capital. At the royal court, she stuns everyone by speaking with elegance, wisdom, and subtle power. She proposes a new political council system, incorporating magic and modern logic.
The southern lord, Lord Adrien, arrives. He demands Elira's hand.
"I am not yours to take," she says, voice like steel wrapped in silk.
Adrien threatens war, and Elira senses his corrupted aura—he's made pacts with forbidden magic.
A duel is proposed.
Kael steps forward, drawing his sword. "If you want her, you'll have to go through me."
Elira raises a hand. "No. He'll go through me."
With the elemental kings watching unseen, Elira defeats Adrien in a dazzling display of multi-elemental magic. Flames twist with wind, light blinds his dark charms, and shadows bind him.
After the battle, Kael finds her sitting on a balcony alone, staring at the stars.
"You risked everything," he says.
"I didn't want to be saved," she murmurs. "I just wanted someone to believe I could win."
Kael finally, finally, takes her hand. "I've always believed in you, Elira. I just didn't know how to show it."
Their fingers entwine. No kiss, not yet—but in the quiet, something shifts. Something that will not be undone.