> System Update:
❖ Thread Reactivation Detected
❖ Thread Name: Elara
❖ Status: Returning from Stasis Flame
❖ Bond Sync: 98%
❖ Memory Integrity: Partial
❖ Emotional Echo: Overflowing
Elara opened her eyes beneath a canopy of ash trees, the Graveyard's silver light glinting against her skin.
At first, she said nothing.
Just breathed.
Alive. Whole. Herself.
Then—
She whispered, "Did we win?"
Ryon knelt beside her, took her hand.
"No," he said. "We chose not to lose."
And Elara… smiled.
The smallest, softest expression.
And cried without a sound.
The others gathered as Elara slowly rejoined the bond line.
Kaela greeted her with a firm clasp on the shoulder. "Didn't think the quiet one would be the first to fall."
"I'm always first," Elara replied. "I just… don't scream about it."
Shaera practically tackled her in a hug. "Missed your creepy calm."
Even Neive shed a tear she tried to hide.
