That night, Liora's wings—long hidden beneath her mortal guise—stirred with restless energy. In dreams, she saw the city in flames, Kael dying in her arms, and herself cast into the void. Each vision tore at her heart, yet each pulse of fear also ignited her resolve.
Kael found her on the balcony, gazing at the stars. "You're awake," he murmured, placing his hand over hers. "Do you… feel it? The weight of what's coming?"
Liora nodded. "Yes. And I don't know if we'll survive it. But I know we have to try. You… you're worth every risk."
Kael's voice shook, but his eyes were steady. "Liora… I would rather fall with you than live without you."
A gust of celestial wind swept across the balcony, lifting her hair and fluttering her faintly glowing wings. She knew the Archons would strike soon, and she knew the Shadow Conclave's aid might not be enough. But in that moment, with Kael's hand in hers and the stars above like silent witnesses, she made a decision.
"Then we fight. And no matter what happens… we face it together."
The bond between them pulsed with radiant energy, stronger than any magic Liora had known. It was a tether of heart and soul, fragile yet unyielding. The Starbond had awakened fully, and the price of their love was coming into focus.
In the distance, shadows shifted. Seren watched from the upper spires, calculating, patient, knowing the time to strike would come.
And as the first light of dawn painted the floating city in gold and silver, Liora whispered, more to herself than anyone else: "If love can defy the heavens… let it begin here."