Eventually exhaustion overtook them, they all staggered to a halt, chests heaving, sweat and blood mixing with soot and frost. For a moment, none of them moved.
Eldo's eyes burned with tears as he finally snapped—"STOP! Just—just stop! Please, both of you!" His voice broke, louder and more raw than they'd ever heard. "I don't want to do this! I don't want to lose anyone else—just stand down, I beg you!"
Winter didn't answer—he was too far gone, shadows swirling around his fists, eyes cold as death. But Kyo stepped forward, voice trembling but clear. "We can't, Eldo. We can't let you do this. Not for Volio, or Varia, or Sapphire, or Elliot... not for anyone else in this world. You're not alone, but we can't let you become what you're fighting."
Eldo's fists ignited, burning brighter than ever, but tears streamed down his face, his resolve crumbling. "I can't... I don't want to hurt you..." The flames guttered as he collapsed to his knees, body wracked with sobs. The infernal power guttered out, leaving only a trembling boy.
Kyo ran to him, dropping beside his friend and throwing his arms around him. "It's over, Eldo. You're not alone. Let's put an end to this—let's just go home."
Winter remained wary, eyes never leaving Eldo, but the darkness faded from his hands. He watched as Kyo gently lifted Eldo to his feet, the three of them battered, limping, but alive.
As they made their way from the throne room, the palace trembled. Demons poured from the shadows, blocking their escape. Winter summoned his blade, ready for another fight, but before he could act, a streak of silver and green zipped overhead—the gray-skinned girl in the dress, Elliot reborn. With a wave of her hands, the world twisted, and in a flash of light, they found themselves back at the front of the cabin, the hellish portal still open behind them.
The boys gaped in shock, but Eldo recovered first, lunging to close the portal with a final surge of will. As the gateway snapped shut, he collapsed, spent.
Winter turned to the girl, every muscle tensed, ready for anything. "Who are you?" he demanded, shadows swirling at his fingertips.
Kyo stepped in, shaking his head. "It doesn't matter right now. She just saved our lives—she's with us." He gently helped Eldo inside, laying him on a bed to rest