The world seemed to hold its breath as the temple crumbled behind them, its ancient stones sinking into the earth like a final act of surrender to the centuries it had defied. Kael stood on the edge of the mountain, his staff planted firmly in the ground to steady himself. Dawn was breaking, casting a pale, fragile light over the horizon, but it did little to lift the oppressive weight that had settled in his chest.
Aeris and Morgana were silent beside him, their faces drawn and pale. The shadows that had erupted from the altar had left a mark on them all—something far deeper than the bruises and cuts they bore. Kael could feel the echo of the True Shadow in the air around them, a lingering presence that refused to fade.
"We sealed it," Aeris said at last, breaking the silence. Her voice was low, almost as if she were afraid to disturb the stillness. "But it didn't feel like a victory. Not really."