The valley stirred as dawn broke, light spilling across scarred earth. Ashbound and Emberkin rose together, torches flaring with fire and smoke. Their bodies were weary, but their hearts steadied—each sunrise now felt like a victory.
Elira stood among them, her crown pulsing faintly. The whispers of memory lingered in her chest, guiding her breath. "We endure," she said softly, and the alliance echoed her words.
Kael raised his blade, sunlight gleaming across steel. "Train harder. Rest deeper. Night will return, but so will dawn."
The valley breathed as one, flame and smoke rising into the morning sky.