The fourth held.
Valeris landed before him.
"Asher!" she called.
He was already moving—channeling soul-energy into the gauntlets, slamming both fists into the ground.
A soulshock wave erupted, launching Kareth skyward.
Valeris rose with him—hovering mid-air, her cloak whipping in unseen wind.
"You forgot who I was."
She raised her hand.
Kareth's helm cracked.
"You forgot what I am."
She clenched her fist—
And the Sovereign Sigil burned itself into the air behind her.
A crown of flame. A mountain split by truth.
Kareth fell to his knees as the resonance struck him.
He did not scream. He bowed.
"You... are worthy," he said. "More than she was. More than I ever hoped."
The field trembled.
From the earth rose the second Key—this one shaped like a blade, not for war, but for declaration. It pulsed with the essence of command, of sovereignty not wielded, but recognized.
Valeris took it.
The Sovereign Path responded.
And just like before—
They were gone.
