The Aftermath

James fell to the ground, his body wracked with pain. He could feel the life draining out of him, but he refused to die.

He summoned every last bit of strength he had and lunged forward, his sword finding its mark. Orion stumbled back, his eyes wide with shock.

James pulled his sword from Orion's chest and watched as the man fell to the ground, dead.

The battle was won, but James had paid a heavy price. He lay on the ground, his body weak and broken.

Selene rushed to his side, her hands glowing with healing magic. She did everything she could to save him, but James knew it was too late.

He looked up at her, his vision growing dim. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "I failed."

Selene shook her head. "No, my king," she said. "You did not fail. You saved us all."

James smiled weakly, then closed his eyes for the final time.

The kingdom mourned their fallen king. They erected a statue in his honor, and every year, on the anniversary of his death, they held a ceremony to remember his sacrifice.

Selene took over as queen, ruling with a steady hand and a fierce determination to keep the kingdom safe.

But James's legacy lived on, in the hearts of his people and in the stories they told about him. He had been a hero, a savior, and he would never be forgotten.

Years passed, and the kingdom prospered. But there were always new threats, new villains to face.

Selene knew that she could never replace James, but she was determined to honor his memory by doing everything she could to protect her people.

And as she looked out over her kingdom, she knew that James was watching over them, his spirit forever tied to the land he had loved and fought for.