Relief washed over Akhenaten's face as he threw his head back and roared to the cavern's ceiling.
[I, Akhenaten Memphis Sphinx, have lived my life as a true Sphinx! Now, I have no regrets left!]
His projection began to fade, breaking into golden particles that scattered into the air like grains of sand in the wind.
Simultaneously, the skeletal remains on the deck dissolved into golden light, dispersing and filling the cavern with a serene glow. After thousands of years, the fallen could finally rest.
Miaomiao reached out as if to grasp the particles but let her paw fall limply, lowering her head. Her tears sparkled as they dropped onto the dark wooden deck.
Marcus unfolded his large wings to shield her as she wept, offering silent comfort. The Garetts watched their lord's departure with somber expressions, crossing their forepaws over their chests in a solemn salute.