fell to the floor dead. The man accompanying her fell down on her and began to weep. But the rebels, now blind, could not stand against the Imperial citizens. The sun now shone on the greatest city in the world.

As the rebels began to fall in the ensuing slaughter, Claudio ran and embraced Anthea, locking her in a passionate kiss.

The ensuing slaughter would undo the rebels' power. The wraith, Gogmor, had burned away. There was much still to take care of; but now there was only kissing, and celebration, and light.

## CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE:  
Empress

Anthea Abantes

Two Months Later....

Anthea's husband Claudio stood before him, dressed in the robe of the emperor: purple silk, studded with rubies and gems, tied together with a golden belt. Often her husband remarked onstrength would go unchecked, and a better world would result: peace, against which none could rebel.

## CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE:  
Lamps

Marcus Silverus

Tivera.

Even months later, the name twisted a knife in Marcus's heart. The girl had changed him. Mad, yet wise beyond any he knew; kind-hearted yet helpless, vulnerable yet strong. Emperor Claudio allowed him to stay on as Guardian of the Wine Cellar, though—in his own words—it was a useless and costly position.

Marcus spent a lot of time wandering, enjoying the warmth of spring and the bright sun. He no longer wanted a mansion or a private island, or a pleasure barge. He didn't know what he wanted.

He spent a lot of time in temples, but no god or goddess had what he most wanted: Tivera's brilliant light. Hieronus,