In this final memory, the world turned black and gold. Time slowed. Kaelira stood beside Anira's soul, not her body. The two of them stared at each other—mirror images across centuries.
"Why did I smile when I died?" Kaelira asked.
Anira's eyes glowed softly. "Because you knew this wasn't the end."
"You cursed him."
"No. I gave him a promise."
"You will live long enough to see me rise again."
"And the Shade?"
"She is what rose when my hope turned to rage."
Kaelira nodded slowly. Then turned to face the rising firestorm outside the ash chamber.
"I'm not just the sixth bride. I'm the first flame reborn."
Anira reached out, resting her palm on Kaelira's chest.
"Then it's time you burn for you—not for love, not for revenge, not for their politics. For the truth."
And with a breath— Kaelira's soul reentered her body. And flames erupted behind her eyes.
---
When Kaelira woke, the chamber was gone. She stood in the ruins of Veyrhold's rotunda, fire still flickering in her palms, and every noble frozen in place. Dorian stared at her— Not afraid. Not angry. Just in awe.
"Anira," he breathed.
Kaelira stepped forward, her voice no longer shaking.
"No. I am Kaelira.
And I remember everything now."