76: the prelude of goodbye

The sanctum, once a mire of shadows and malice, now shimmered with an ethereal glow. Sylva's form radiated light, her presence commanding yet gentle, as she floated above the ground. Her roots extended, brushing the muddy, shadow-tainted waters that pooled beneath her.

"Let this be the beginning of something better," she murmured, her voice resonating with quiet power.

With a soft motion of her hand, the roots pulsed, releasing waves of light that flowed outward. The murky water rippled, the dark hues dissipating as the light cleansed it.

Within moments, the sanctum transformed; the once-shadowed pools turned crystalline and clear, reflecting the radiant clouds parting above. Beams of sunlight streamed through, illuminating the sanctum in a cascade of brilliance.

Rowan stared, her mouth slightly agape. "She… she really did it."

Amara, leaning against her sniper fan for balance, let out a low whistle. "Never thought I'd see this place look… holy."

Kieran grunted, his shield strapped tightly to his arm as he surveyed the transformed sanctum. "It's… something else," he admitted. "Feels like we actually won."

Sylva turned to them, her gaze filled with warmth and gratitude. "From the bottom of my heart, thank you," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "You've saved the Otherworld, and in doing so, you've given me something I never thought I could have—myself. For that, I owe you more than I can ever repay."

Her luminous form pulsed gently as she extended her roots toward the group. "I may not be able to give back everything you've lost, but I can offer you each one wish. Whatever lies within my power, I will make it so."

The group exchanged glances, the weight of her words settling over them.

Kieran stepped forward first, his shield strapped firmly to his arm. "I want to return to my post at the base of Yggdrasil," he said, his voice steady. "There's still work to be done. The safe zone needs a protector, and I intend to be that."

Sylva nodded, her expression soft. "Your steadfastness is a gift to those who follow you. Your wish will be granted."

Amara approached next, her sniper hanging loosely at her side. Her gaze flickered toward Sylva, a mix of determination and vulnerability in her eyes. "I want to stay too," she said. "Ragnar needs a leader, someone who can guide them through what's to come. I know my purpose here."

Sylva smiled gently, her roots brushing against Amara's hand. "You have the strength to lead, Amara. And the wisdom to guide them well. Your wish is granted."

Aiden and Lila stepped forward together, their hands entwined. Lila's voice was soft but resolute. "We want to go home."

Sylva's expression shifted, a hint of sorrow flickering in her gaze. "Your timeline has expired," she said gently. "But I can give you something better—a branch where there is no war, where you can live out your days in peace and happiness. Would that be enough?"

Aiden and Lila exchanged a glance, a faint smile passing between them. "Yes," Aiden said. "That's enough."

Sylva nodded, her form glowing brighter. "Then it will be done."

Finally, it was Rowan's turn. She hesitated, her hand gripping the edge of her jacket tightly. Her voice was uncharacteristically soft as she spoke. "Bring back Paige," she said, her words laced with pain. "If anyone deserves a second chance, it's her."

Sylva's expression grew somber. She stepped closer to Rowan, her glowing roots unfurling gently. "Rowan," she said softly, "I cannot bring back the dead. To do so would unravel everything we've worked to restore. But I can offer you something else."

Rowan frowned, her brow furrowing. "What else could I possibly want?"

Sylva placed a hand on Rowan's shoulder, her gaze steady and kind. "A family. A home. The one thing you've always longed for but could never admit to yourself." Her roots shifted toward Aiden and Lila. "Go with them. Be part of something that gives you the love and belonging you deserve."

Rowan looked over at Aiden and Lila, their expressions filled with quiet encouragement. She swallowed hard, her voice barely audible. "You really think I can…?"

"You already are," Sylva said, her voice unwavering.

Rowan nodded slowly, tears glistening in her eyes. "Okay. I'll go."

Sylva nodded, her roots extending nervously. "With that Your wish is granted. Yggdrasil...no I will miss you all."

as the three prepared for their departure, Aiden staggered, his hand clutching his chest. His face paled, sweat beading on his brow as he gasped for air.

"Aiden!" Lila cried, her grip tightening on his arm. "What's wrong?"

He shook his head, his voice strained. "The ring… the Ring of Vows…"

The Core's voice whispered in his mind, soft and insidious. This is not your true wish, Aiden. Speak your heart, and I will make it so.

Aiden's vision blurred, his thoughts clouded with malice. The Core's presence pressed against him, relentless and invasive. His mind lingered for just a moment on Sylva—her power, her solitude. For the briefest of seconds, he thought, What if she's alone? What if this is the price of her strength?

The whisper grew louder. You Say it. You Wish it. Now I will me make it so.

"No," Aiden gasped, his trembling hands clawing at the ring. "I won't…"

With a final, desperate effort, he tore the ring from his finger. It slipped from his grasp, falling into the purified waters below. The current carried it toward the labyrinth of roots, disappearing into the depths.

Lila knelt beside him, her voice shaking. "Aiden, are you okay?"

Sylva stepped forward, her roots brushing against his shoulder. "The ring is powerless without you," she said softly. "Its whispers can no longer reach you. You've done well."

Aiden looked up at her, his breathing steadying. "Are you sure? What if—"

"It's over," Sylva said firmly. "Trust me."

He nodded, relief washing over him as he rose to his feet. Lila wrapped her arms around him, her touch grounding him.

Sylva turned to the group, her roots unfurling one last time. "The path is open," she said, gesturing to the shimmering crack in the air. "Step through, and your wishes will be fulfilled."

Rowan hesitated, looking back at Amara and Kieran. "Guess this is goodbye, huh?"

Amara smirked, her voice light but tinged with emotion. "Don't make it too dramatic, Rowan. You're gonna be fine."

Kieran extended his hand, his grip firm as he met Rowan's gaze. "Take care of them."

Rowan nodded, her lips quirking into a faint smile. "You too."

Aiden, Lila, and Rowan stepped toward the crack, their movements slow and deliberate. They turned back one last time, their gazes locking with their friends.

"Thank you," Aiden said, his voice steady. "For everything."

Sylva smiled, though her eyes shimmered with unspoken emotion. "I'll always be here for you," she said softly. "Whenever you need me, I'll be waiting."

The three stepped through the crack, their forms dissolving into light. As the portal closed behind them, the sanctum fell into a peaceful silence.

Sylva stood tall, her luminous form radiating calm. Amara and Kieran approached her, their expressions filled with quiet determination.

"What now?" Amara asked.

Sylva smiled faintly, her gaze drifting upward toward the light-filled sky. "Now, we rebuild."