The Celestial Gate loomed above Aeris, a vast spire of pure light piercing the clouds. Liora and Kael stood side by side, hands entwined, hearts pounding. The Shadow Conclave's forces flanked them, but the Archons' army was already descending like a tide of silver blades.
"This is it," Kael whispered. "No turning back."
Liora nodded. "We do what must be done. For each other… and for the world."
With a deep breath, she stepped forward, unleashing her full power. Her wings unfurled in radiant glory, shimmering like liquid starlight. The Archons recoiled at the energy, but Seren advanced, eyes cold, calculating, every step deliberate.
"You've grown bold, fallen star," he said. "But no mortal can stand against the heavens."
Kael moved beside her. "I'm no longer just mortal. We're bound. And nothing will break that."
The battlefield erupted. Celestial fire clashed with silver blades, sparks scattering across the clouds. Liora and Kael fought as one—every glance, every touch, a pulse of the Starbond that made them stronger.
But the price became painfully clear. Every second Kael stayed in her aura of celestial power, the curse gnawed at his life force. His eyes flickered with fatigue, lips pale. Liora's heart twisted, but she couldn't stop now. The prophecy demanded sacrifice.
"Kael!" she cried, drawing him close. "You're burning yourself—your soul!"
"I'll endure it," he said, voice strained. "If it saves you… and the realms. If it means I can stay by your side, even for a moment longer."
Tears blurred her vision. With a final, desperate surge, Liora poured her energy into him, weaving the Starbond into a protective embrace. A shockwave of light radiated through the sky, forcing Archons to stagger and giving the Conclave the advantage to push forward.
Seren's eyes narrowed. "You may have won the battle," he hissed, "but the war is far from over."
Liora barely noticed. She clutched Kael, feeling his heartbeat slow, the magic consuming him. The Starbond had anchored their souls together, but the cost was unbearable.