Chapter 7 · The Crown of Night

The Starfall Archive was carved inside the mountain's heart. Shelves rose through darkness, holding scrolls that whispered in forgotten languages. At its center stood a circular table beneath a ceiling open to the stars. Mira expected the first flame to guide her, but the golden coal in her palm remained silent.

Rowan recovered enough to walk, though the black binding had left shadows under his skin. He kept his distance now. Mira could feel the questions between them, heavier than the mountain.

A woman stepped from behind the shelves. She wore a simple gray dress and carried no weapon. Mira knew her before she turned fully.

“Mother.”

Liora Vale looked older than the portrait, older even than the memories Mira carried. Silver streaked her copper hair. A scar crossed her brow, and a chain of black iron circled her throat. Yet her smile was the one Mira had searched for in every kind face in Bellwether.

Mira crossed the room. Liora caught her before she could decide whether to embrace or strike her.

“You grew tall,” Liora whispered.

Mira pulled away. “You left.”

“I was taken.”

“The dream showed you walking away.”

“Because I chose to walk away from you.