Mamir lay on the cold stone floor, his breath shallow, his body wracked by the venom coursing through his veins. The twin poisons of Medmaran's fangs and the serpent's bite burned like fire, dragging him closer to the abyss of death. His grip on the Elven Lightblade trembled, slipping as his vision blurred.
Runya knelt beside him, her hands shaking, tears streaking down her face.
— "No, Mamir… you cannot leave us. Not now, not after all you've done."
Ener clenched his fists, helpless. "If we do nothing, the venom will consume him."
Runya's eyes glimmered with desperate resolve. She placed a trembling hand over her heart.
— "There is one way… but it is forbidden."
Ener turned sharply. "Forbidden? What do you mean?"
Her voice dropped, heavy with dread.
— "The blood of the fae. A ritual of old—an ancient healing spell that uses the lifeblood of a fairy to revive one at the brink of death. But it is a cursed path… The chance of survival is but one in a hundred. In most cases, the mortal's body cannot bear the burden. It shatters under the light, and they vanish into dust."
Mamir stirred weakly, trying to lift a hand, but his voice was faint. "Runya… don't…"
But Runya ignored his protest. Her tears glistened as she drew a small blade, slicing a shallow cut across her palm. The golden glow of fae blood spilled forth, radiant as starlight. She leaned down, pressing her hand against Mamir's lips.
— "Live, Mamir. Even if it costs me everything… you must live."
The fae blood flowed into him, searing like molten light. His body convulsed, as if torn between life and death. For a moment, his skin seemed to shimmer, his outline flickering as though he might dissolve into air. Runya clutched him tightly, whispering prayers in her ancient tongue.
Then, against all odds, Mamir gasped. His chest heaved, and light surged through his veins. The dark venom hissed as if burned away, smoke rising faintly from his wounds. His eyes opened slowly, meeting Runya's tear-streaked face.
She collapsed against him, sobbing with relief. But when she lifted her gaze, her cheeks flushed crimson. With a trembling smile, she whispered:
— "Now… we are bound not only by fate, but by blood. Tell me, Mamir… may I call you… my love?"
Her voice was fragile, shy, yet filled with longing.
Mamir's hand brushed against her cheek. His lips curved into a faint smile, despite the pain.
— "Of course… my beloved."
Runya's eyes widened with joy, and she embraced him tightly.
Ener, who had watched in silence, finally broke into a warm grin. He clapped his hands together.
— "Well, well. At last, the doves find their song. But save the sweetness for later, lovers—we still walk in the shadows of Elandur's hell."
Runya laughed softly through her tears. Mamir, though still weak, rose with her support. Kabur pawed the stone impatiently, his breath misting in the damp air.
And so, together, the three set forth once more, descending deeper into the darkness where fate awaited them.
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