The Nocturne Estate had never been so alive.
Music echoed through the halls.
Laughter filled the courtyards.
Long tables stretched across the central grounds, covered with roasted meats, fresh bread, fruit, and enough food to feed an army.
Servants rushed back and forth carrying trays.
Children ran through the gardens.
Warriors drank and celebrated.
For once...
There was no war.
No battle.
No funeral.
Only celebration.
The birth of Fenrick Eryxson Nocturne had become an event that spread throughout the Third Order.
Nobles arrived carrying gifts.
Merchants brought expensive silks and rare treasures.
Military officers traveled from distant cities to offer congratulations.
Even some of the newly absorbed territories sent representatives.
The entire realm seemed eager to celebrate something other than death.
Inside the grand hall, Eryx stood proudly beside Diana.
The newborn rested peacefully in his mother's arms.
Every few minutes another guest approached.
Another gift.
Another blessing.
Another congratulations.
Eryx looked completely exhausted.
Diana found it hilarious.
Riven watched from nearby.
A small smile rested on his face.
For months he had seen only destruction.
Now he watched people rebuild.
He watched them laugh.
It felt strange.
But welcome.
A sudden stir moved through the crowd.
The music quieted.
Conversations stopped.
Heads turned toward the entrance.
The Queen had arrived.
Nyxara entered surrounded by a small escort.
Her silver cloak flowed behind her.
The gathered nobles immediately bowed.
Warriors lowered their heads.
Respect followed her wherever she walked.
Yet tonight she wasn't here as a ruler.
She was here as family.
A rare smile appeared on her face as she approached Diana.
"A healthy child."
Diana nodded.
"He takes after his father."
Eryx looked offended.
The room laughed.
Nyxara spent several moments speaking with the family before eventually finding Riven standing alone near one of the balconies.
The celebration continued behind them.
Music drifted through the night air.
For a moment neither spoke.
Then Nyxara smiled.
"You look healthier."
Riven glanced at her.
"I was in a coma for six months."
"Exactly."
He laughed softly.
Nyxara folded her arms.
"You've changed."
"So I've been told."
"You have."
Her expression became thoughtful.
"The war changed everything."
Riven followed her gaze toward the city.
Lights illuminated the streets below.
The rebuilt districts stretched far into the distance.
A kingdom recovering.
A kingdom growing.
"The Third Order is stronger than it has ever been."
Nyxara's voice carried quiet pride.
"The Second Order has been absorbed."
"Our resources have tripled."
"Our territory has doubled."
"Our armies grow every month."
She looked toward him.
"And much of that is because of you."
Riven frowned slightly.
"I wasn't alone."
"No."
Nyxara nodded.
"You weren't."
A rare warmth entered her eyes.
"Which is why I have something for all of you."
Riven raised an eyebrow.
Moments later Nyss, Soren, Roran, Marlis, and several others were gathered nearby.
The Queen addressed them directly.
"By my authority as Alpha of the Third Order..."
The crowd slowly quieted.
"I formally grant citizenship and noble protection under the Third Order to Riven Thorn, Nyss, Soren, Roran, and Marlis."
Silence.
Then applause erupted.
The announcement spread through the hall almost instantly.
Smiles appeared everywhere.
Soren looked stunned.
"Wait..."
He blinked.
"Does this mean I'm officially important now?"
"Unfortunately."
Roran answered immediately.
The room laughed.
Marlis smiled softly.
Riven nodded respectfully.
But Nyss remained silent.
For a moment her thoughts drifted elsewhere.
To another place.
Another life.
Another home.
Memories she rarely spoke about.
A past that no longer existed.
Then slowly...
She smiled.
Because despite everything she had lost...
She wasn't alone anymore.
Her path had brought her here.
To these people.
To this family.
To this place.
And perhaps...
That was enough.
Later that night...
The celebration had begun winding down.
Most guests had returned to drinking, eating, and telling stories.
The estate felt quieter.
Calmer.
Nyss wandered through the halls alone.
Lost in thought.
Eventually she passed Diana's room.
The door stood partially open.
She glanced inside.
Diana sat beside the window holding Fenrick.
The newborn slept peacefully in her arms.
Nyss immediately stepped back.
"Sorry."
"I didn't mean to interrupt."
Diana looked up and smiled.
"Come in."
Nyss hesitated.
Then entered.
The room felt warm.
Comfortable.
Peaceful.
Diana studied her for a moment.
Then smiled knowingly.
"You look lost."
Nyss blinked.
"What makes you say that?"
Diana adjusted the blanket around Fenrick.
"Because I know what it looks like when someone is searching for where they belong."
Nyss looked away.
Diana's voice softened.
"You're still thinking about the Queen's announcement."
A long silence followed.
Eventually Nyss nodded.
"Maybe."
Diana smiled.
"You spent so long surviving that you forgot how to live."
The words struck harder than Nyss expected.
Because part of her knew they were true.
For years she had focused on survival.
War.
Loss.
Danger.
Running.
Fighting.
Enduring.
Now...
Everything had become quiet.
And she didn't know what to do with that.
Diana gently rocked Fenrick.
"You finally have time."
"Time for what?"
"Life."
Nyss remained silent.
Diana smiled again.
"You have friends."
"You have family."
"And whether you realize it or not..."
Her eyes softened.
"You have someone who cares about you very much."
Nyss immediately knew who she meant.
Heat rose to her cheeks.
Diana laughed.
"See?"
"I didn't even say his name."
Nyss groaned.
Diana continued.
"Riven spent months fighting death."
"You spent months waiting for him."
"Maybe stop waiting for the future and start enjoying the present."
Nyss looked toward the window.
The moon shone brightly above the estate.
The celebration still echoed faintly outside.
For the first time in a long while...
The future didn't seem frightening.
It seemed possible.
Diana smiled.
"Whatever happens next..."
She glanced down at Fenrick.
"Don't be afraid to be happy."
The room grew quiet.
Nyss looked at the sleeping child.
Then toward the moon beyond the glass.
Then finally smiled.
A genuine smile.
Perhaps...
It was time to stop looking backward.
And start moving forward.
Because for the first time since fate had brought them together...
There was finally a future worth looking toward.