That night, in the moonlit palace that was now her home, Lyra stood on her balcony overlooking the realm she was meant to rule. The weight of crown and responsibility felt heavy, but not as heavy as the longing in her heart.
"Having second thoughts?" Blaze appeared beside her, concern replacing his usual playfulness.
"I barely know you," she whispered. "Any of you."
"Then let us show you who we are," came Kieran's voice from the doorway. The other Guardians joined them on the balcony.
"I've spent seven years dreaming of your return," Kieran continued. "You are the wind beneath my wings, the storm I've been waiting for."
Caspian took her hand. "I am the ocean, vast and deep, but you are the moon that moves my tides. Without you, I am just water without purpose."
Thorin knelt before her. "I am the steady ground beneath your feet, the mountain that will never falter. My strength is yours, always."
Blaze cupped her face gently. "And I am the fire that burns for you alone. Passionate, consuming, devoted."
"We don't ask you to choose between us," Kieran said softly. "We ask you to choose us all, as we have chosen you."
Magic sparked between them as she looked into each of their eyes—winter storm, amber flame, ocean depths, rich earth. Her soul recognized them, as if she'd been waiting her whole life for this moment.
"Yes," she breathed, and the word unlocked something deep within her chest.