As she takes another step, the ancient lanterns hanging from the pillars spark to life, wild flames raging within. She smiles and continues climbing.
I don’t know why, but I don’t move. I stay at the bottom of the staircase and watch.
My breath catches when she stops on the top step and turns to face the city.
The sun chooses that moment to shine brighter, casting her in full light. Her hair glows in the sun’s rays and sets the gold flecks in her eyes ablaze.
There, on the steps of the once-lost city of Anaeris, is my queen.
My Firebird.
THE END