Kael held Lira close as her breathing slowly calmed.
Her tears still ran down her cheeks, and her hands shook from the vision they had just seen.
Kael wiped her tears gently.
"It wasn't real. It was only a possible future."
Lira looked up at him, her voice soft and weak.
"But… it felt real. The child… our home… everything."
Kael took a deep breath.
"I know. I felt it too."
Before either of them could say more, the darkness around them shifted again.
A soft light appeared in front of them, floating like a small flame.
The Sanctuary's voice returned:
"This trial shows what your bond might create."
"But it also shows what might be destroyed."
Lira stood slowly, holding Kael's hand for balance.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
The light brightened.
"Your bond can lead to life… if you choose each other."
"But it can also lead to destruction… if fear controls you."
Kael narrowed his eyes.
"Then tell us what we need to do."
The light floated closer to them.
"Listen carefully."
Lira leaned in.
Her heart still hurt from seeing the little girl disappear.
The voice continued:
"Your bond grows stronger every time you protect each other."
"But it grows unstable when you hide things… or when your hearts break."
Lira frowned. "Hide things?"
Kael looked away for a moment.
The Sanctuary spoke again:
"You carry pain you haven't shared, Kael.
Lira carries fear she won't admit."
Lira's eyes widened.
Kael stayed silent.
"If these truths stay hidden, your bond will collapse."
Lira grabbed Kael's hand tighter.
"Kael… what are you hiding?"
Kael took a slow breath.
His voice was low.
"…I'm scared of hurting you."
Lira's eyes softened.
Kael continued, his voice shaking slightly.
"I'm scared one day I'll lose control. And you'll be the one who pays the price."
Lira stepped closer and placed her hand on his chest.
"You won't hurt me. I chose to stay with you."
The Sanctuary's light flickered gently.
"Good. Truth strengthens the bond."
But then the voice turned deeper:
"Now you must hear the warning."
Kael's body tensed.
Lira held her breath.
"Your bond is not natural.
It attracts things that should not exist."
Lira's face turned pale.
Kael lowered his voice.
"…What things?"
The Sanctuary's light dimmed, as if remembering something terrible.
"Creatures born from darkness."
"Hunters that feed on mixed magic."
"And a force older than the Emperor… a force that has awakened because of you."
Lira felt chills run down her arms.
Kael stepped in front of her, protective.
"What force?" he demanded.
The Sanctuary answered:
"The Devourer."
"A being that consumes bonds, magic, and life."
Lira's voice trembled.
"Is it coming for us?"
The light pulsed once.
"It is already moving."
Kael's grip tightened on Lira's hand.
The Sanctuary added:
"To survive the Devourer, you must complete the final trial."
"The final trial?" Kael asked.
Silver and black flames suddenly rose around them.
"Yes," the voice said.
"The Trial of Unity."
Lira looked at Kael, fear and trust mixing in her eyes.
Kael nodded slowly, ready.
Whatever was coming next
They would face it together.