The silence that followed the battle was profound, a stark contrast to the cacophony of clashing energies that had filled the shrine moments before. Dust motes danced in the beams of sunlight filtering through the shattered windows, illuminating the scene like a spotlight on a stage. Anya, Liam, Finn, and Elena stood amidst the aftermath, their bodies weary, their emotions a tangled mix of relief, exhaustion, and a lingering sense of disbelief.
Anya lowered the orb, its light dimming slightly as if mirroring the exhaustion she felt. The chamber, once filled with the oppressive presence of the void, now felt lighter, cleansed. But the victory had come at a cost.