Kael and Lira reached the end of the stone bridge.
The shaking stopped.
The air went still.
The red eyes of the Devourer slowly faded back into the darkness below.
Lira leaned against Kael, her legs weak.
"Is… it really over?" she asked softly.
Kael looked straight ahead.
"For now."
They stepped off the bridge and onto solid ground again.
The flames around them disappeared.
The dark space changed into a calm circle of silver light.
The Sanctuary spoke:
"You have passed the Trial of Unity."
Lira let out a breath she didn't know she was holding.
Kael squeezed her hand gently.
"We made it," he said.
But the Sanctuary wasn't finished.
"Your bond is stronger now.
But danger will always follow you."
Lira looked down at her hands.
The silver glow under her skin pulsed softly—steady, not painful.
Kael touched her hand lightly.
"How do you feel?"
Lira smiled a little. "Stronger. But tired."
Kael nodded.
"We'll rest soon."
Suddenly, the ground beneath them formed a glowing symbol.
It rose into the air and broke into two small shards one dark, one light.
The Sanctuary explained:
"These are bond shards.
Carry them.
They will protect you from losing your connection."
The light shard floated to Lira's hand.
The dark one floated to Kael's.
When they touched the shards, both felt a warm pulse travel through their bodies.
Lira blinked. "It feels… calm."
Kael nodded. "It feels right."
The Sanctuary continued:
"You may now leave.
But be warned
the Devourer has seen your bond.
It will chase you."
Lira stepped closer to Kael.
Her voice trembled.
"Kael… what if it finds us?"
Kael placed a hand on her back.
"Then we fight. Together."
Lira looked into his eyes and nodded.
The silver light around them brightened, forming a doorway out of the Sanctuary.
Kael held Lira's waist as they walked toward it.
Before they stepped through, the Sanctuary spoke one last time:
"Your future is not written."
"But if you trust each other, you can shape it."
Lira smiled softly.
"We will."
Kael pushed the door open.
A rush of fresh forest air hit them.
Sunlight poured in.
They had left the Sanctuary.
But outside
the world was already changing.
Dark clouds were gathering in the distance.
Lira leaned close to him.
"Kael… something feels wrong."
Kael placed a hand on his sword.
"I know."
Because waiting for them outside the Sanctuary
was the Emperor's Blood Oath Knights.
Their hunt had just begain.