The moment they stepped out of the final tunnel, Lira's breath caught. Light poured down from the opening above like a torrent, brighter than anything she had seen in the labyrinth's shadows or in the faint glimmers of underground flora. She instinctively raised her hand to shield her eyes, but it was no use; the brilliance washed over her in waves, making her squint and blink until the tears stung.
Serelyth's warm, steady hand gripped hers. "Don't panic, little flame," she murmured, her voice calm but strong, resonating like a tether to the world Lira had just left behind. "It's been a long time since your eyes have seen such light. Move slowly… let them adjust."
