The heavens had been silent too long.
From the highest plane, where once light reigned unchallenged, whispers curled like smoke. The gods were gone—but something worse had taken their place. A queen cloaked in violet fire. A demon bound by no master. A love that had survived death, chains, and destiny.
The universe trembled.
And Lina?
She was ready to light the match.
—
Hell bowed before her.
Not because it was forced.
Because it had no choice.
She stood at the edge of the infernal court, her crown brighter than ever, violet-black flame licking the sky behind her. Her new throne—shaped from the bones of titans and the heart of the Void Crown—rose above all others. Andra stood at her right, draped in shadows, his blade eternally warm with her fire.
Below, Cael knelt, bloodied from his own journey—a mission she'd sent him on alone.
"I found it," he rasped. "The last lock."
Lina tilted her head. "And the key?"
He looked up at her, his eyes dark with something old. "It's you."
—
The Throne of Cinders had been a myth—a remnant of the first world, sealed away by the gods to ensure no one could ever hold both flame and fate.
Now Lina stood before it, deep in the heart of the Hollow Star. A place that existed between realms. A place that didn't just burn. It chose.
And it had chosen her.
The throne pulsed, reacting to her presence. Flames curled from its frame, reaching like fingers.
"You could turn away now," Cael said, quieter than ever. "Live with Andra. Rule hell. Let the heavens forget you."
Lina stepped forward. "I'm done being forgotten."
She reached the throne. Her hand touched its arm.
And screamed.
—
Fire invaded her soul.
Every life she'd ever lived—every version of herself, every death, every betrayal—flooded through her veins like molten steel. Yrielle, the goddess lost in war. Lina, the girl stolen by a demon. The queen, the killer, the lover.
All of them collided.
And when the flame faded…
She opened her eyes.
Not violet. Not gold.
But black. Infinite.
The flame no longer burned her.
She was the flame.
—
Andra stepped forward slowly, cautious. For the first time in centuries, he felt… small. Not weak, but humbled. She was no longer just his queen. No longer just his obsession.
She was the end.
Lina looked at him, and something in her softened.
"I'm still me," she said.
He reached out, touched her cheek. "You're more."
She leaned into his touch. "Then burn with me."
He smiled, sharp and cruel. "Always."
—
Together, they ascended the Hollow Star. Lina's power tore open the sky, peeling reality like old skin. She didn't rise to heaven.
She dragged heaven down to her.
The skies split.
Angels fled.
And the world saw not a queen.
Not a goddess.
Not a flame.
But judgment wrapped in love.
And she was beautiful.