The Aftermath

Adira gasped as she regained consciousness, her lungs burning as though they had forgotten how to breathe. Every muscle in her body screamed in protest, and her vision blurred before slowly coming into focus. She pushed herself up with trembling arms, the jagged ground beneath her digging into her palms.

Around her, the battlefield was unrecognizable. The core's destruction had reduced the chamber to a vast expanse of broken earth and flickering energy. What was once a pulsing heart of light and shadow was now an empty void, its presence a chilling absence in the air.

"Adira!"

Kael's voice cut through the ringing in her ears. She turned toward him, relief flooding her chest as she saw him limping toward her. His armor was scorched and dented, but he was alive.

"I'm fine," she said hoarsely, waving him off as he knelt beside her. "Where are the others?"