Mamir was still staring at the light that had burst from his body, his eyes wide with disbelief. As the glow slowly faded and his body returned to normal, he took a deep breath, confusion written on his face.
— "How… how did this happen? How could such light come from me?" he muttered.
He turned to Runya, holding her hand tightly.
— "My love, you're a fairy. You know magic. Is something like this even possible in someone like me?"
Runya fell silent for a moment before shaking her head.
— "As far as I know… no. Something like this has never happened before."
Mamir's thoughts raced back to a memory.
— "When we were in Elandur's hell, saving my mother… you gave me your own blood to bring me back from death. Could it be because of that?"
Runya's expression grew serious.
— "No. That spell has saved a few people before, though rarely. But none of them ever shone with light as you did. Your case is… different. Very different."
Just then, from the depths of the caves, a group of sea people swam rapidly toward them. They were exhausted and wounded, but alive. At the front was Runfey's brother, who immediately embraced his sister with tears streaming down his face.
— "A miracle happened!" he cried. "That cursed octopus bound us with chains made of shadows. He told us we would be slaves forever. But then… a blinding light appeared! The shadow chains shattered, and as I swam toward it… I found you. Tell me, sister… what happened?"
Runfey, her voice trembling, told her brother and her people about Mamir and his companions. She recounted their battle, the fall of Krakven, and how the light had saved them. Everyone listened in awe, their gazes fixed on Mamir.
Her brother turned to him, gripping Mamir's hand with gratitude.
— "You saved our lives. We will be forever thankful. But tell me… what was that light? How did you defeat the beast?"
Mamir paused for a moment before giving a faint smile.
— "The only thing I know is… we won. Now, you must rebuild your city."
The people laughed, their relief echoing through the cavern. The joy of freedom shone on every face.
As the time for farewells came, Runfey embraced Runya.
— "Never let go of your beloved. A man like him is rare to find," she said with a warm smile.
Runya chuckled softly and replied,
— "And I hope you find someone just as I have."
With that, Mamir, Ener, Necor, Runya, and Runfey swam out of the dark caves and emerged at the island's shore. They boarded their waiting boat and set sail toward the mainland.
Yet, deep in their hearts, they all knew the adventure was far from over.
For in Elandur, five dark monsters still awaited them.
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