For the first time in eighteen years, the Moretti name was no longer spoken in whispers.
It was spoken openly.
With respect.
With fear.
And, most importantly—with truth.
Three days had passed since the fall of the Black Crown.
The Crown Council had collapsed almost overnight. Its members were being arrested across different cities, hidden accounts were being seized, and the evidence recovered from the vault had exposed years of corruption.
But inside the Ricci Estate, nobody was celebrating.
Because for Aria, the war had ended…
but her life had changed forever.
She stood alone on the balcony, staring at the mountains beyond Valoria.
The Moretti crown rested on the table behind her.
She hadn't worn it since the night everything ended.
Rafael walked onto the balcony.
He didn't speak immediately.
He simply stood beside her.
Aria glanced at him.
"You're awake early."
"So are you."
"I couldn't sleep."
Rafael looked toward her.
"Thinking about them?"
She nodded.
