The return to the Sanctum was triumphant. The portal spat them out at the outer gate, where Master Caelum waited, his stern face was softening as he saw their haul.
"You have done well," he said, inspecting the relics. "These will be studied, but your bonds have proven their worth."
That night, the trio gathered in the dorm, their beasts lounging nearby. The relics sat on a table, their glow casting shadows on the walls. Kelvin traced the sigil on his gauntlet, feeling Xerion's pride through their bond.
"We survived the Rift," he said, his voice was steady. "But the Inner Sanctum is watching. They will call us again."
Darius raised a mock toast with a rootfruit. "To more battles, more loot, and more legends."
Lyra laughed with her hand on Avian Salaris's back. "To us."
