The Lovemist was gone.

Not destroyed, but lifted—leaving Hollowbrook clear, cool, and honest. For the first time in weeks, emotions belonged to those feeling them.

Cassidy felt it first.

She stood beneath a crooked lantern, her slime calm instead of restless. “…It’s strange,” she said quietly. “I keep waiting for the pull. That feeling like I’m supposed to want something.”

She watched her body ripple on its own. “But I don’t.”

Mira Melta sat beside her on the well, smiling softly. “That’s how it should feel. Wanting because you choose to.”

Across the square, Melanie Gloomdrop lounged against a fence, staff on her shoulder. “I hate to say it, but… the lack of forced devotion is healthier.”

Serena Claymore stood watch near the road, armor faintly glowing. “The silence is earned,” she said. “What remains must be chosen.”

The village healed quietly—colors softened, slimes loosened their grip, humans relearned trust.

Then the air shifted.

Light gathered at the far end of the square, forming Queen Amoria Gleamveil. Her presence didn’t compel—it waited.

“You stood when you could have fled,” the Queen said. “You broke the chain.”

She turned to Cassidy. “You are seen. Not as a tool—but as yourself.”

The slimes murmured, respectful. Cassidy felt it—warm, unforced.

To Melanie, the Queen nodded. “Help me ensure this mistake never happens again.”

Melanie smiled. “Yeah. I can do that.”

To Mira, a gentle smile. “You remind others how to be kind without binding them.”

Serena stepped forward. “And me?”

“You may help rebuild what devotion broke,” Amoria said. “Or continue your journey. Either choice is honored.”

“I’ll decide,” Serena replied.

The Queen faded, leaving no command behind.