In the former hideout of the Voice of the Moon, a cave surrounded by shimmering crystals, Herica and Astrala stood amidst scattered pieces of paper.
Herica smiled and looked at Astrala. "Your Majesty, Princess Herica has much to convey to you."
Cracks formed on Astrala's face as she raised her hand, manipulating the surrounding crystals to shimmer in a spectrum of rainbow colors. And another crystal materialized before them.
A wide smile spread across Astrala's lips as she turned to Herica. "You have the power to manipulate dreams, don't you?"
Herica nodded. "Yes."
"Then show me in my dreams what she said. I wish to be buried here, and before the cave seals completely, you must leave..."
"But, Your Majesty... Don't you want to see—"
Astrala laughed softly. "It's better that only a few see me. I am but a story, and that's how it should remain."
Herica swallowed her questions, watching as Astrala lay down on the crystal bed, folding her hands over her chest.
For the last time, Astrala looked at Herica. "Can you manipulate my dream even from afar until my life slips away?"
"Yes, but the time is limited when I'm far from you."
Astrala nodded and closed her eyes. "Please, Lady Herica."
Herica stepped closer to the crystal bed and placed her hand above Astrala's head. "Farewell, Queen Astrala. May you find peace in the afterlife."
As Herica began manipulating Astrala's dreams, she heard the crystals around them shifting. She glanced around as they grew, consuming the cave's space.
"Your Majesty..." She withdrew her hand and ran toward the cave's exit, narrowly escaping the encroaching crystals.
Though Herica hadn't known Astrala for long, her chest tightened with sorrow. Yet, she kept moving, distancing herself from the resting place of the first queen of Dandelion.
---
In the village of Petal, hours after the battle between the knights and the Voice of the Moon, everyone gathered in the academy's hall, the Manipulators' Garden, where the exam battle had once taken place.
Among the captured traitors encased in crystals made by King Dandelion were Maly and Obsidian. Tharia knelt exhausted on the floor, having spent all her energy healing the wounded.
"Citizens of Dandelion! I formally declare that we have defeated the Voice of the Moon. Their leader is no more, and the Red Serpent of the sea and one of their comrades have surrendered," the king announced, bringing smiles to the faces of those who fought.
"However, a stranger from the kingdom of Mirasol aided us with her healing. She will be allowed to return to her kingdom in peace."
"That's good," Friyon whispered.
"I thought they were going to imprison her," Spai-n sighed with relief.
Though heavy-hearted, the two friends smiled, knowing their friend from another kingdom was safe.
"And I also want to announce the return of my son, Ghilarre Dandelion." Ghil bowed to the crowd. "And introducing his right hand, the child of the former Chief Knight, Fynilopi Ashikan."
Whispers spread among those unaware of her survival:
"Did she join the Voice of the Moon?"
"Thank goodness she's alive."
"We thought the second Ashikan child had long passed away."
"And now, I declare our new Chief Knight, the eldest Ashikan child, Fleen Ashikan," King Kalin continued.
---
With the announcements complete, Spai-n and Friyon stood a distance away from a carriage. From there, Tharia waved with a broad smile.
"I still can't believe she's a Princess," Spai-n said listlessly.
"And to think she lost consciousness because of her former master but she played a significant role in the battle," Friyon added.
"But I still wonder why she has two abilities. She can manipulate vines and swords..."
"More curious is how she's unaffected by Maly's power."
Tharia placed one foot on the carriage steps, taking a deep breath. "Those two..."
She turned away from the carriage and, before the knights could react, ran toward Spai-n and Friyon, embracing them tightly. "I hope to see you again. I'll do everything to return."
Friyon took a deep breath, resting his hand on Tharia's head. "We'll be waiting, but don't expect me to call you Princess."
"Come on, Friyon. Tharia is the only Princess in our group. And next time we meet, explain everything about yourself so we can know you better."
"Yes, I promise..."
Wide smiles adorned the friends' faces as they watched the carriage depart.
"Don't fight over a girl," Fleen teased, wearing a blue cape and armor. Beside him, Herica waved.
"So, when are you getting married, Brother Fleen?" Freya asked, her cat perched on her shoulder.
"Huh?! M-married already?" Herica's face turned crimson.
Erilya's warm smile graced her lips as she watched her children playfully banter. "You all look wonderful."
"Wait, where's Fyn?" Ghilarre glanced around, only to feel a hand on his shoulder.
"Your Highness, I'm here."
What was once a heart filled with vengeance, with tears shed, had transformed into warm laughter and smiles. Though some were lost, the survivors vowed to live on, striving to better their world.