The End

When news of the recapture of Grim Batol finally spread throughout the Alliance, all of humanity rejoiced. The war could finally end, and peace was just around the corner.

The King of each kingdom insisted that Dalaran provide an explanation, a detailed account of the entire incident. A message also arrived from Aerie Peak from the "famous hero" Falstad, reporting that he was safe.

While Nathanos and Alleria were enjoying their time together, Rhonin was giving a report in the Sky Chamber. He wasn't telling the truth, at least not about Krasus's identity. The council members were clearly suspicious, especially about how he had gained the Elf's trust and how he had infiltrated Grim Batol. However, no one objected to the outcome of the whole affair; after all, it was a good ending. Mages are always pragmatic.

The most intriguing topic is Lord Prysto, who almost became the new King of Alterac, but now seems to have vanished into thin air! His residence is deserted, his servants have all run away, and there isn't even a trace of his activity left behind.

With his disappearance, his influence was waning. Genn Greymane revived his questions about Prysto's identity, and even Admiral Daelin Proudmoore sided with him. Terenas declared directly that a second background check on the nobleman had uncovered many unresolved issues. The rumors about the young princess's impending engagement to Prysto also vanished.

Rhonin's success made Terenas and the other King take notice of Dalaran. The mages plotted to seize this opportunity to expand the Kirin Tor's influence. But for Rhonin, all of this was irrelevant; his only concern was Krasus, and clearly, this member of the Kirin Tor Council had acted faster than him. Just as he returned to Dalaran, other council members revealed that Krasus had abruptly resigned from his post a few days earlier for an absurd reason: he wanted to be with his wife. Even his longtime colleagues were unaware that he was already married.

Rhonin simply smiled, believing Krasus was both qualified and obligated to do so. For the sake of his ancient race, and even more so for his queen. Alexstrasza had always trusted the younger races, especially after the Demon Soul incident. And for that, Krasus's actions demonstrated his willingness to support the queen's beliefs.

Since Deathwing fled, no one has seen the black dragon again. Due to the constant vigilance of the other Dragons, he was forced to remain hidden for a period of time.

This sounded like good news, but some bad rumors also began to circulate. These dragons, their immense power inspired awe in everyone. Some even considered them the rulers of this world. They would continue to leave their mark on this world. No one ever doubted this...

The jungles of Quel'Thalas were perfect for seclusion, Nathanos truly believed. Windrunner Tower was a good place, with jungle and close to the coast, allowing him to enjoy both. More importantly, it was where he had people he cared about. This time had been invaluable for him and Alleria. The Female Elf had given him the identity of an advisor from Lordaeron, but even a fool could see it was just an excuse; no one dared to openly admit it.

Stay with me a little longer.

Every time Nathanos closed his eyes to the sea, he would think of Alleria's words, realizing he couldn't resist her. At first, he thought it was simply because they loved Alleria other, but later he discovered there was someone else besides Alleria who completely thwarted his feelings. This caused Nathanos a great deal of trouble.

"You're here, human."

He opened his eyes at the familiar teasing tone. "I can't go anywhere else either."

"This isn't a prison, Nathanos." Sylvanas walked to the teapot behind him and poured herself a cup. "Of course you have the right to freedom." She took a small sip, watching the human's retreating figure with amusement.

"I can't stand the gazes of those Elf; it's quieter here."

Sylvanas pulled down her hood, letting her long, pale golden hair flow freely, and leaned against the gold-rimmed railing next to Nathanos, enjoying her light tea and the cool sea breeze. "I thought you never cared about what others thought."

"I don't care what happens to me, but it's different for Alleria. She's a leader, and she can't lose the respect of her soldiers, especially..." He stopped mid-sentence. Sylvanas guessed that he meant to say, "Especially since it's all because of him."

"Alleria is promoting a new batch of Ranger generals. You won't be seeing her for a while, so... please don't mention her when you're talking to me, okay?"

Nathanos turned his head and squinted at her. Was this a request for him?

When he looked at her, Sylvanas thought he was going to reject her, but the human didn't. However, he didn't say anything more.

"Have you... discussed holding a wedding with her?"

Nathanos immediately felt the scene before him fade into darkness. He didn't drink any water, but Sylvanas's question startled him, causing him to cough violently twice.

"Didn't you say you wouldn't mention her?"

The Female Elf nodded, downed the tea in her cup in one gulp, and toyed with the cup, carved from a dazzling stone, in her hand. "I'd rather you remain silent when you're facing me than she is."

"I... I just don't know what to say."

"So let's talk about Alleria instead. You must have so much to say about her," she teased with a smile. Nathanos felt awkward at her cloying smile.

"There's nothing to say. You know her just as well as I do."

"The same goes for you. I know you no less Alleria, in fact, I know you far more." Sylvanas suddenly calmed down, looking at the same view as Nathanos.

The human laughed upon hearing this. "How could that be? What do you know about me?"

"I cannot answer you." The Female Elf's gaze swept back, her clear eyes drawing Nathanos's attention. "But I know that Alleria does love you very much, but she will not sacrifice everything for you, because she is Ranger-General, and her duty does not allow her to do so."

"Of course I understand. She should do it."

"That's probably the difference between me and her!"

She continued. Nathanos shuddered, staring at Sylvanas in astonishment and disbelief. He wanted to ask why, but he feared her answer. Not only because he knew what Sylvanas would say, but more importantly, because the resolution of one problem led to the emergence of another—how was he to face Sylvanas?

Would you sacrifice everything for her?

"Of course," Nathanos answered another question without hesitation.

"She'll be very happy," Sylvanas smiled, then looked away again. Nathanos should be relieved; he no longer needed to gaze into those captivating eyes. But his heart raced, and then he felt a chill. Sylvanas was so close, yet he couldn't sense her. Nathanos tried to raise his hand to touch Sylvanas's face, to confirm that this was all just a dream. He gave himself the command, but why? Why were his body no longer under his control?

The Female Elf continued to smile. Nathanos could no longer tell if she was frozen in time, maintaining that smile. In short, for that instant, he felt nothing. But in his ears, Nathanos heard many voices echoing in his mind, one word in particular he could never forget—fate!