Original subtitles

Remember, find the golden dragon.

It's the only way to save this kingdom. Now go!

Behold, the purest soul of our realm, chosen by the heavens.

She steps down from the mortal world to serve the Eternal!

Saint Evjeline, our chosen vessel, will you surrender your purity to the

Guardian to wed the sacred stone dragon and be entombed in chastity for all

eternity?

I do.

With all my heart.

what is happening the most chaste virgin stands before you

oh great guardian why do you reject her from the depths of blood and lust

let the sacred turn to dust awaken

the succubus curse

The mark of the Succubus.

You are no virgin, Evangeline!

You broke the dragon covenant, you filthy whore!

No, no, please!

That's not true!

I swear to the gods, I am pure!

I don't know why! You brazen slapper! Go to hell, you slut!

The seal upon the sky dragon is breaking!

Kill her! Her death may yet hold the seal!

They're going to kill you.

Come with me.

Thank you for saving me.

Do I know you?

Who I am doesn't matter.

Right now, you're the only one who can save this kingdom.

But I'm just an ordinary girl.

Listen to me.

You must go south, to Aveline, and find the Golden Dragon.

The Golden Dragon?

I thought it was only a legend.

It's no legend.

They're sworn enemies.

A century ago, the Golden Dragon sealed the Sky Dragon in stone.

But how could I ever find the Golden Dragon? The same blood runs in them

both. You broke the Sky Dragon seal, so you must be connected to the Golden

Dragon as well.

But I... The Sky Dragon has awakened.

He will destroy this world, so please, I beg you.

Remember, find the golden dragon.

It's the only way to save this kingdom. Now go!

Can everyone in this damn forest shut up for five minutes?

My lord, the Sky Dragon has taken the palace and crowned himself king. He

orders you back at once.

Even the Earth rejects you.

Retreat! We'll come back for this stack of us!

Wait, wait, stop.

Stand aside.

That woman's a cursed whore.

Go.

Before I remember why I'm so angry.

Whoa, hey easy

Hey,

look

at me

She has to be a princess, and some wicked witch must have cursed her.

Drink, princess.

Slowly.

Wait!

I think my head is clear now.

And I remember what I did to you.

I'm sorry.

I'm so ashamed.

You were cursed.

I figured that part out.

My lady, you saved my life.

Please, let me serve you.

I won't touch you again.

I'll tend to whatever you need.

I have nothing else.

To give you.

It's the only way I can repay you.

Absolutely not.

But I owe you!

You don't owe me anything.

I kept them from taking your life.

That doesn't make it mine.

My name is Angeline.

I'm just a farmer's daughter from Krask, my lady.

And now, because of me, Kask has lost its guardian dragon.

The whole kingdom wants me dead.

Evangeline.

Eva.

Call me Nyx.

I was sleeping in the woods, and the noise just woke me up. Why were you

sleeping in the woods?

Can't really remember.

I'm from the south.

I like to wander around when I've got nothing to do.

You're from the south?

Why? Where are you headed?

South. To find the Golden Dragon.

I woke the Sky Dragon, and it has brought disaster upon my country.

Only the Golden Dragon can stop it.

This is my fault, I have to put it right.

Crask is cold, starving, and apparently full of people who enjoy burning women.

Avalanche South.

It's warm.

Apples everywhere.

Better odds. I'm a little curious about the Golden Dragon myself. Come with me.

We'll figure something out there.

You want me to come with you?

I'm asking.

You can say no.

Yes. I'm saying yes.

Come on.

I'll get you something nicer to wear in Aveline.

Your Majesty, the Royal Guard awaits your command.

Then let every soldier know.

The North has a king again.

You sealed me into that stone.

The scriptures do not name them, Holy One.

Not a person.

A dragon.

Who are you?

Vivian.

I study dragon curses and seals.

Which dragon?

The golden dragon.

A claw at my throat.

Gold scales.

Why did it seal me away?

The golden dragon feared your power.

Sealing you away was the only way to keep you from striking back.

Where is it?

In the south.

They still worship the golden dragon as their protector.

And the saintess, holy one?

Her blood awakened you. We must bring her back to the altar. Where is the

girl? When your summons reached us, we were pursuing her through the forest.

I brought the troops back at once, as ordered. Her blood woke you.

It may wake the golden dragon, too.

Follow her.

She'll lead you where no army can reach.

Find her.

Leave the road south open.

Follow her, but stay out of sight.

You just let her go?

Let her think she's free.

If she leads us to the Golden Dragon, I want word at once.

Her blood must return to the altar. It will.

After she has led me to the Golden Dragon.

Yes, your majesty.

Then gather the army.

Let the south choose.

Give me the golden dragon or freeze with it

They

just grow right by the

road Try not to look too impressed.

People charge foreigners double.

I came to ask you to come back.

I've already told you.

I'm not going back.

Things are different now.

Then find someone else.

Run. Nyx, this isn't right. You should go back and explain.

Wait!

Nyx!

I'm sorry.

You shouldn't have taken your apple.

We'll make it right.

One apple.

That's not why I came after you.

It isn't ripe yet. It's deadly poisonous.

I brought the antidote.

How do you feel?

I'm fine now.

Thank you. The antidote worked.

Looks like it did.

That's a beautiful necklace. Where did you get it?

No idea.

It's been around my neck for as long as I can remember.

It looks like a golden dragon relic.

I trade in relics. Would you consider selling it?

You know about the golden dragon.

We've come south to find it.

It's relics, she means.

We find them and sell them on.

Same line of work as you.

Fellow traders, then.

The Dragon Bazaar in the capital pays best for trinkets like that.

Worth a look, if you're selling.

We could work here to make up for the apples.

Don't worry about it. It's just one apple.

This coin might come in handy when you get to the entrance.

Thank you, but we have nothing to offer you in return.

Call it luck, then.

I wasn't expecting anything in return.

Strange. My head's still a little foggy.

So which was it, the necklace or the girl?

I have a brilliant plan, Eva.

What is it?

You'll find out soon enough.

Come on, we're going to the Dragon Bazaar first.

Members only.

Perfect. We're practically family.

With whom?

With gold.

How long should pass before the flight feathers can be clipped?

They love dragons here.

A very practical kind of love.

How attached are you to honesty?

Can I help you?

This ring was recovered near the Golden Dragon's western wing after the Battle

of Ashen Sky.

It has a maker's mark from last year.

Exactly. Last year was when it was authenticated.

Dragon tear vessel.

Very rare.

It's an earring.

Barely holds a tear.

Because it's for a very, very small dragon.

Obviously.

And this ugly thing supposedly touched the golden dragon's heart.

Personally, I think it looks cheap.

How much?

More than you can afford.

I don't know.

Selling that necklace feels wrong.

Don't worry about it.

We've got money now.

Time for the plan.

First, we need proper clothes.

Those cost too much.

Consider it battle armor, Princess, if we're going to survive this miserable

world.

Might as well look down on it.

I believe this will suffice.

So what exactly are these clothes for?

Where do you think we're most likely to find the golden dragon?

The mountains?

A cave?

Think, Eva.

Think again.

Could it be the royal palace?

Looks like you're not completely hopeless.

But fine clothes won't get just anyone into the palace.

Exactly.

That's why we need to cause quite a stir.

Ladies and gentlemen the hands are quicker than the eyes

May the gods bless you.

You can leave it with me, thank you.

By order of the royal house, His Majesty, King

Lucius. will receive noble ladies of suitable birth as prospective brides.

Such flawless etiquette.

You do not belong in this dirt, my lady.

Did you enjoy the show, sir?

Very much.

May I ask what brings you to the streets, my lady? Lady Eva has fallen on

hard times. Her manners survived.

Her fortune didn't.

Your family name?

She'd rather tell His Majesty.

Herself.

And you are?

Her knight.

Come with me.

His Majesty will decide whether to receive you.

A lady?

A knight?

What are you doing?

Getting us inside.

Who knows more about the golden dragon than the people ruling its kingdom?

Choosing a queen.

You're meeting a king.

You haven't agreed to marry him.

Your Majesty, Lady Eva and her knight.

A merchant in the orchard, a noble woman in my palace.

Which one should I believe?

She was trying to help me.

Please don't punish her.

Then tell me why you're really here.

Forgive me, Your Majesty. I'm no noblewoman.

I'm just a girl from Krask.

And I carry a curse.

You're the Saintess of Krask. The one they call Fallen.

Funny. She doesn't look fallen to me.

Leave us, Gareth.

You said you were looking for the Golden Dragon.

Why? My blood awakened the Sky Dragon.

Someone told me the Golden Dragon is the only one who can stop it.

That's why I came south.

And you believe finding the Golden Dragon will save the North?

I don't know if it will, but I can't leave my people to face this alone.

The Northern Army is gathering.

If the Golden Dragon can stop this war, then we have the same enemy. I don't

know where the Dragon is, but we have old records.

I'll have the archives searched.

If we find anything useful, you'll have full access to it.

Until then, you're welcome to stay.

Both of you.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Thank you.

So what do you want in return, Your Majesty?

Dinner. If Lady Eva would like to join me.

Now this is more like it.

I could get used to this.

A lead, a hot bath, clean clothes, and dinner with the king.

Could be worse, right, Eva?

Why did you answer for me?

Answer what?

Dinner. With the king.

I figured he wanted to talk to you alone.

You know more about what happened in the north than anyone here.

I don't think that's all he meant.

What else?

Never mind. Maybe I'm imagining it.

My lady, his majesty sends you a gift.

How generous.

Though I don't remember asking him to buy it back.

You don't sound very pleased.

Why is he going to so much trouble for you?

Makes me wonder what he'll give you after dinner.

So you've finally noticed.

Well, he's hardly being subtle.

It's just a gift, Nix.

You're the one I came here with.

Besides, I'm glad he brought your necklace back.

It belongs with you.

Something came up. Dinner will have to wait. The necklace started glowing when

I touched it. It showed us something.

Where is it?

The Dragon Tower.

That looks like a compass.

Perhaps it can lead us to the Golden Dragon.

Then we have to go there.

What exactly is the Dragon Tower?

The Dragon Tower is a sacred place left behind by the dragons.

Its seal opens only to their power.

And no one's broken through?

Soldiers, mages, they've all tried.

The seal never opened.

Then how can we get inside?

You said your blood awakened the Sky Dragon.

And this necklace revealed something to you that no one else could see.

Perhaps the tower will respond to you too.

You're asking her to test a seal you couldn't open. I can't promise it will

work. But it's worth trying.

Until tonight, we didn't even know where to look. Now we do.

How far?

It's about half a day's journey.

We can leave tomorrow morning.

We?

I'm going with you.

Doesn't a king have people for that?

I gave you my word that I would help.

And if there is something in that tower that can stop the Sky Dragon, my kingdom

needs it as much as yours does.

Then we go together.

Eva?

It burns.

You're awake.

Does it still hurt?

Not as much.

Lucin and I decided to wait until you've recovered before we leave.

I'm awake now. We can go.

Waking up doesn't mean you've recovered.

We finally know where to look.

I can't just stay here and wait.

I'm going to find Lucien now.

We need to leave.

The apple farmer?

General Rowan.

The man who held the Northern Pass when our army broke.

No more green apples, I hope.

I thought you said you were done with war.

I meant it.

I've seen enough men die.

Thought I'd spend the rest of my days growing apples. Then why come back?

The northern army is coming south, whether I pick up my sword or not.

I'd rather stop it before it reaches the orchards.

People fleeing the north have already crossed the border.

Open the shelters.

They need somewhere to go. Give them food and shelter, just like our own

people.

If things are already this bad, we should leave for the tower now.

The sooner we find the golden dragon, the sooner we can stop this.

Not until you've recovered.

Lucian, we don't have time.

Have you thought about what happens if we reach the tower and you're too weak

to open the seal?

You may be the only one it will answer.

You collapsed last night.

We can't ignore that.

Nyx, tell him we can go.

I don't like taking his side, but he's right.

Rushing into this won't help us find the dragon sooner.

Your most important task right now is to rest Lucen had a healer brought in last

night. She eased the curse enough for you to wake up She'll keep treating you

over the next few days That should be her come in

You you're the woman who saved me

and you've made it south I'm glad I didn't know what happened to you after

we parted.

I'm all right.

You're the one who needs looking after.

She's the one who told you to find the Golden Dragon?

Yes.

Without her, I wouldn't have made it out of the North.

May I see your wrist?

Have you found anything about the Golden Dragon?

We saw a compass inside the Dragon Tower.

You've been inside?

Not yet.

We saw it through my necklace.

There's a seal at the entrance.

Lucien thinks it might respond to me.

We were going to try today, but he asked you to recover first.

I know they're right.

I just hate losing more time.

Rest now.

We'll see how you feel after the next treatment.

Can you remove it completely?

For now, I can ease the pain.

I won't promise more than that.

Thank you for helping me again.

You've come this far.

Let's get you well enough to keep going.

Still not enough.

Find the golden dragon for me, Eva.

I've rearranged my duties so I can

leave with you as soon as you're ready.

You didn't have to do this.

I gave you my word.

There's a banquet tomorrow evening.

I'd like you to attend with me.

As my future queen.

Your future queen?

To the court, it will look like an engagement celebration.

We'll have to keep up appearances.

Just appearances?

You won't be agreeing to marry me by attending.

All right.

I'll come.

Here it's getting cold

It's

warmer inside let's go in

We can talk later. Go on.

Thank you.

For the shawl, too.

You could have joined us.

You seemed busy.

You told me to get close to him.

To help finding the dragon.

Not his entire wardrobe.

Do you want me to give it back?

I didn't say that.

Then tell me what you are saying.

I can't keep guessing.

Keep it. It's only a shawl.

There's something else.

Lucian asked me to attend tomorrow's banquet with him.

Another dinner.

To everyone else, it'll look like an engagement celebration.

But we're only keeping up appearances.

And you agreed?

Yes.

You don't have to explain it to me.

I wanted you to know.

Our guests agreed to attend tonight's banquet.

Nothing more.

They like you.

We may never have to sleep in the mud again.

You really want me to marry him?

He can protect you. He can protect your village.

I'd be foolish to pretend I could offer all that.

And after that, where would you go?

I don't know.

Anywhere. You'd be safe here.

You planned a whole life for me.

You didn't leave yourself in it.

I thought that was what helping meant.

Getting you somewhere you wouldn't need me anymore.

Needing you and wanting you to stay aren't the same thing.

I don't even know where I came from.

How can I promise you a future?

Eva, I need a moment.

Did you really think I was healing you?

Eva, I'm here.

Don't call anyone.

They'll see it.

Let them.

First, you breathe.

You don't have to stay because I'm ill. That's not why I'm staying.

I thought getting you somewhere safe would be enough.

Then I saw him touch your hand.

You laughed with everyone else.

I thought I was the only one who felt it.

I kept looking for you, even while I was laughing.

Then you left and none of it mattered.

Then why did you keep pushing me closer to him?

I wanted you to stay.

And I hated myself for it. I didn't know what else I could give you.

You could ask what I want.

What do you want?

Don't give me away.

I won't.

Not unless you choose to leave.

Try to sleep.

I'll be right next door.

Does it hurt again?

No. I know where I am, and I know who you are.

Stay because you want to, not because you think you owe me.

If I stay, I won't pretend tomorrow that it was only the curse.

Neither will I.

Still want me here?

Yes.

Five more minutes. Royal business can wait.

You're not the king.

Terrible oversight.

We still have to find the dragon.

We will.

Then we'll decide where to go.

Together.

And Lucien?

I have to speak to him before anyone makes plans for me again.

I'll stay out of that conversation.

Unless you ask me in.

I'm better with a sword.

I need to be clear.

I came here to help my country.

I'm not accepting a place as your queen.

I understand.

You owe me nothing. My help was never conditional.

Lucien, it's been several days. I think you should leave as soon as possible.

How are you feeling?

Much better.

We don't know how long it will take to find the Golden Dragon.

I don't want to lose another day.

Assemble the escort.

We depart for the Dragon Tower immediately.

Yes, Your Majesty.

The approach is clear, Your Majesty.

The seal has turned away everyone who's tried to enter.

It's responding to you.

Does it hurt?

No. It's warm.

Let us through.

Advance. Stay together.

Those who seek the compass must pass three trials.

Only two may enter.

The rest will follow the guiding light and remain within its boundary.

I'll enter. Your Majesty, keep Evangeline and the others together.

You'll need someone to keep up with you.

Be careful, both of you.

Choose a route.

Climb to its key and unlock the door above.

The first to open a door chooses a wyvern first.

Whoever loses stays away from Eva.

For good.

Once all this is over.

And that applies to you too?

Of course.

I'm alright.

The first choice is yours.

Enjoy your head start. I intend to.

Beyond this level there are no stairs.

Ride your dragon through all three stone rings.

The first rider to reach the upper landing wins.

You may choose.

That's new.

Have you ridden one before?

No. You?

No. Then this should be interesting.

Pass through every ring. Reach the upper landing with your mount.

Begin.

Up.

Okay.

The second trial is complete.

You are the victor.

The victor may take the compass.

The defeated must step onto the altar.

One life will open the way out.

No! We're not trading a life for it!

That wasn't part of the rules.

This is the final trial.

The compass cannot leave until the defeated takes their place.

The north is freezing.

The army is coming south.

We can't leave empty-handed.

So we find another way.

Lucian, stop!

Take it.

Get her out of here.

You won.

Keep your promise to her.

Nyx! Let go!

I said leave her! Do not die here!

The chain on your right!

Hold on.

I've got it.

On three.

One, two, three!

An illusion?

One accepted the cost.

The other refused to abandon a companion.

The final trial is complete.

No life was required.

I thought I was going to lose you both.

Take the compass.

The way is open.

Our wager ends here.

Good.

Come in.

It's pointing to those mountains.

Let's go.

May I see it?

These markings.

Do you recognize them?

There's an old scroll in the palace.

It's been passed down through my family.

The clasp has a pattern like this.

What's inside?

No one knows.

It's been sealed for generations.

Could this open it?

Possibly.

The clasp has a round recess.

These ridges might fit.

You think they're connected?

I didn't until I saw this.

We'd have to try it on the clasp.

The necklace showed us the compass.

Maybe it's the key.

The scroll may be our next clue.

Then let's go back and try.

The girl has left the tower with the southern king. They're returning to the

palace with a dragon instrument.

A compass.

It will lead them to the golden dragon.

Why bring me news instead of its location?

I can't watch her all the time, but the curse still shows me what she sees when

it flares.

Then be ready when it does.

My army is marching.

I know your answer.

I still wanted to tell you how I feel.

I hoped you might choose to stay after your people were safe.

As your guest?

I hoped it might become more than that.

I'll ask once, and never again.

Will you stay?

You gave me safety when I needed it.

I'll never forget that.

But I can't say yes just because I'm grateful.

It's Nyx.

Yes.

Even when she makes an awful mess of saying what she feels.

Then I won't ask you to wear it.

I meant what I said before the tower.

I love her.

I wanted you to stay.

That doesn't give me the right to make leaving impossible.

Let's see if it fits.

You're still helping us.

Your choice doesn't erase my promise.

It really is a key.

The sanctuary of the golden dragon.

It really is the way that beyond the southern cinder gorge beneath the

forbidden basin The royal seal opens the outer gate the inner gate has three

seals the compass unlocks the first Turn it over

Knicks

Keep it with you.

Gareth will ride with you.

I'll join Ro and stays at the northern front.

I have to be there to hold the Sky Dragon's army at the border.

Thank you.

Keep the road open.

We'll do the rest.

Look at me.

Breathe.

Has it been this bad since you left the tower?

No. It came on suddenly.

Vivian's treatment hasn't stopped it. She said she could only ease the pain.

I'm all right.

Let's go.

There. The southern forbidden basin.

How long until they reach it?

Soon. The sanctuary's golden ward still stands.

Force your way in, and it could seal you again.

Let the girl's blood open it first.

You keep telling me to wait. You want the golden dragon.

Let them open the way, and nothing will stand between you.

March on the border hold there until I give the order

Return the saintess!

Her blood belongs to the altar!

People don't belong to altars.

Give me the golden dragon.

Keep the girl if you must.

The northern gate is holding.

Find the truth before the border breaks.

I'll come back.

With an answer.

You were really going to step onto that altar.

And you wouldn't let me stay there.

Don't make a habit of it.

I could say the same to you.

Supplies. Not payment.

If the northern road closes, use the eastern ferries.

You're getting better at giving gifts.

Bring both of you back.

it's never done that before

the

compass opened the lock something else is holding the door

Apparently I have a key.

Enough.

You don't have to bleed for every door in the world.

Just this one.

Stay close.

We found it.

This isn't a tomb.

The body was preserved here, not buried. Then why hide the way here? Why split

the map and the key?

It warns of an enemy beyond the seal.

Map and key were kept apart so no single thief could find this place.

The enemy's name is worn away.

Eva! Don't come any closer.

Nyx, what is that? The heart has returned.

The heart was hidden beyond the enemy's reach.

This vessel preserves its power until it can return.

Once the heart takes living form, the vessel becomes an empty shell.

Yet it remains the heart's guard and the key to its return.

I wasn't carrying the heart. I am

the heart. You're Nyx!

Whatever came before, you're still next.

Was any of it mine?

The things I knew?

The way I held a sword? You chose to come back for me.

You chose to take my hand.

No stone ever told you to do that.

It may grow a will of its own.

When it returns, the ancient mind will wake and swallow what grew without it.

So the dragon wakes, and I stop being me.

Then we don't do it!

The Sky Dragon has left the border. It's heading south, towards you. That ward

was keeping him out.

We opened the door for him.

The compass holds only a trace.

It cannot replace a living heart. Then we give it more.

You're shaking.

I'm not finished.

You will be, if you keep doing that.

There is a warning.

Blood can carry power and memory.

Carry too much, and the vessel breaks.

What if I held on to your memories while you returned?

You caught a moment, not a whole life.

There must be a way to share the weight.

You've changed the flow.

But there's nothing holding the other side.

Just give me time!

I'll hold the entrance. Find your answer.

When

we

leave here, where would you like to go?

Anywhere without altars.

Good.

Somewhere with ripe apples.

Don't do that.

Don't make plans with me if you're not coming.

You wanted to save your home.

For once, I can give you that.

Not like this.

I never asked for your life. I know.

This is my choice.

But I wish we had more time.

I would choose you over a legend.

Over every vow they made me take. I know you would.

That's why it can't be your choice.

Find another way!

I don't remember.

Don't think I never loved you.

I love you.

I'll remember for both of us.

Next. The heart remembers your blood.

Who are you? You called me princess when I had nothing. You carried me when I

couldn't stand. Please, try to remember.

There is a voice beneath the others. It is very far away. Follow it.

I'm here.

No stone between us now.

You should not have been awakened in anger. You buried me alive!

Wait! This is Vivian's doing! She wants you to fight!

I should have killed you the first time.

Now.

You can't stand between them. The next strike will crush this ridge.

Then help me reach somewhere they can hear me.

You sealed him for a reason!

Something was poisoning your blood.

Another excuse.

You remember my claw at your throat. Remember what it was holding back.

Answer me.

They are fighting.

Eva's still alive.

Send aid through the Cedar Gorge.

Very little.

I waited.

While either of you stood, my power stayed locked away.

You both finally weakened at the same time.

You needed them alive.

Alive, awake, and tearing each other apart.

You've been very helpful.

You saved me once.

A broken vessel would have wasted a century of work.

You could have asked them to release you! I did.

They preferred deciding how much power I was allowed to have.

I grew tired of asking!

They were strongest when they stood together, so I taught them to fear each

other.

You told me it sealed me away because it feared me. It was hiding the one thing I

still needed you to destroy.

The locks are broken.

Now I take back the rest.

I mixed it with mine and planted it in a human bloodline.

I needed a vessel that could hold all three.

You were just a baby.

The blood froze over time like an insect trapped in amber.

You never aged.

Until that old farmer found you and took you in.

You put the curse on me. A curse?

An ordinary girl carrying the three most noble bloodlines in the world?

You should be thanking me.

Your blood can awaken both of them. What a shame.

The twin dragons were meant to protect each other, yet they ended up betraying

each other.

Hold on. The stone will keep her from reaching you.

It wasn't betrayal.

You were inside my mind.

None of that matters now.

You drained your heart trying to scatter my power, and what good did it do?

Today, I'm taking every last bit of it back.

You were never stronger than them.

So you turned them against each other? No!

I can feel them now all three and they're fighting you

You're

still in there

I was wrong.

Tell me what you need.

We cannot rise again.

There's power left, but these bodies cannot withstand another strike.

My blood can carry all three powers.

Share your strength with me.

Together we can fight her.

Then we do it together.

Stay with me.

All three of us. We have to hold on.

I'm here. You don't have to bear this alone. We can hold this form for one

final strike.

Make it count.

If I falter...

The heart chose you.

Let that choice remain.

You will break.

Then you'd better hurry.

Don't you know? Every time you fight me, you feed me more power. That mark is

mine.

She's following the mark.

Stop fighting the mark.

Keep our power moving between us.

Nix, one more time.

Stay with me. Hey, look at me.

You don't get to decide what I become.

The curse is gone.

Your breathing is steady.

Nyx?

I kept what I could.

I don't know if it was enough.

The heart has chosen its own shape again.

The ancient mind no longer drowns it.

Does that mean she remembers?

It means she has a choice.

You kept that much alive.

Who?

My name is Evangeline.

You can call me Eva.

I was going to ask who stole my boots.

A river.

A poisoned apple.

A king with terrible timing.

And you, asking me to stay.

I remember.

Don't ever do that to me again.

Which part?

Any of it.

You said you'd remember for both of us.

I'll take my half back now, and I love you.

I didn't forget that either.

I love you.

I'll tell you every day so you can't forget.

No more blood for the

altar.

Open the roads.

Take food to the villages we frightened into hiding.

Your village is still standing.

They're waiting for you.

The palace doors remain open.

No titles required.

And dinner? If you can arrive without selling anything important.

This one's ripe.

You owe neither kingdom your lives.

Go and live them.

Free passage through both kingdoms.

Any road, any gate.

Her knight?

That was a lie the first time I said it.

Not anymore.

We're first, Princess.

Home. Then anywhere we choose.

Three dragons broke the border for me.

How thoughtful.

Now it's my turn.