The clearing was eerily quiet, the battle's adrenaline giving way to heavy exhaustion.
Artemis sank to her knees, the glowing power slowly retreating from her skin. Her hair settled, eyes returning to their natural shade.
Elara approached, rifle still raised but her expression softening. "You did it, Artemis. We held the line."
Nova wiped grime from her face, the tension between them softened by the victory.
But Artemis's gaze drifted to the sky, now clear but marked by faint ripples—remnants of the Rift's closing.
"This was just a breach," Artemis murmured. "There will be more."
Lyra stepped forward, her voice steady. "And more monsters. We need to prepare. Strengthen the bond. Train harder."
Artemis nodded. "The Beacon's power is growing. So is the Rift's. We have to be ready for whatever comes next."
She glanced at her hands—claws retracting but the scars and glow beneath her skin a constant reminder.
Elara smiled faintly. "Whatever happens, we face it together."
A surge of hope sparked in Artemis's chest.
But in the shadows beyond the trees, something watched—a pair of glowing eyes reflecting the fading light.
The battle was won.
The war was just beginning.