The storm pressed harder, grief woven into every lash. Elira's crown blazed, but its flame flickered unstable, smoke twisting toward shadow.
Marlic advanced, spear dripping with betrayal. His laughter echoed across the valley.
"You thought memory would save you. But memory bends to grief. And grief is mine."
He struck.
The spear crashed against the crown, shadow tearing through fire. The valley shook as the crown splintered, shards of flame and smoke scattering into the night. Elira cried out, collapsing, visions shattering into silence.
The Ashbound faltered, torches dimming. Emberkin shields cracked. For a moment, hope itself seemed broken.
Marlic raised his spear high, ember eyes blazing. "It is done. Dawn is shattered. Grief reigns eternal."