The Last Vigil Beneath the Rose Gate

Weapons sheathed, the victors formed a circle around the fallen princess.

No trumpet sounded. No one spoke of triumph.

The frogs lowered their heads and stood in silence while moonlight settled over the ruined garden. One by one, they sheathed their swords.

The princess lay among the roses as if sleeping, her wings still catching the light. At last the captain removed his helmet and placed it beside her hand.

Far beyond the gate, something answered from the darkness.

Not a butterfly.