Their footsteps echoed in the silence of the last corridor of the Shattered Tower. Moss-covered walls and heavy air whispered with memories that refused to fade. Luma, Kael, and Ereth finally reached the top floor, standing before a great door veiled in violet light. Ancient symbols pulsed slowly, like the heartbeat of a living creature.
"We're almost there… beyond this door, Vaeloth awaits," Ereth said, his voice deep, eyes fixed on the ancient sigils.
Kael touched the door's surface. Instantly, a surge of dark energy pushed his hand back and burned his palm. He gritted his teeth, pain flashing across his face.
"This isn't just any door… it's sacrificial magic. It only opens with the life of one who has stood between light and darkness," Ereth said quietly, his eyes glistening.
Luma looked at Ereth, then at Kael. "I'll do it. I'm willing," she said firmly.
"No!" Kael snapped, gripping her shoulders. "Don't ever say that again, Luma. We came this far together, and we leave together."
Ereth took a deep breath, stepping forward. "No, this is the path I chose the moment I defied Vaeloth. I'm the one to open this door. You two—go on. Let me repay the debt I once owed."
Before Luma could stop him, Ereth placed his hand on the sigils. Light erupted. His body was engulfed in blinding white flames. A final smile crossed his lips before his form vanished, along with the now-opening door.
Luma clenched her fists, tears falling. "Thank you, Ereth…" she whispered.
They stepped through. Beyond the door was a vast, empty throne chamber. In the center, seated upon a black throne, was Vaeloth. Tall, cloaked in shadow, his eyes glowed crimson.
"At last, Luma," he said, his voice deep and echoing, as if spoken by many at once. "You've endured much. But why keep resisting? The world will not change with light. Power and fear—that is what brings order. Be my heir."
Luma didn't respond right away. Her breath was steady. His words were venom, striking her deepest doubts. But she remembered Selene's face. Ereth. Kael beside her.
"You're wrong," she finally said. "Light doesn't belong to one person. It belongs to all who dare to hope."
Without warning, Vaeloth attacked. Waves of shadow engulfed the chamber, trying to consume them. Kael hurled his sword, forming a temporary shield of light. Luma held her breath, clutching the crystal Selene once gave her.
"You will not win!" Vaeloth roared.
Luma closed her eyes, letting the light within rise. In that silence, she heard Selene's voice — soft, guiding. The power surged, wrapping around her like wings of starlight.
She opened her eyes, now glowing bright. Lifting her hand, she unleashed a burst of white light, piercing through the darkness.
Vaeloth's scream echoed. His form shattered, shadows swirling before exploding into dark dust. But from the fragments, a cloud of black mist began to spread — his soul not fully destroyed, only scattered.
The tower began to collapse. Luma and Kael exchanged a glance, and without a word, ran. The sky brightened as they emerged — dawn's sun casting its light on the falling shards of the tower.
Luma stood at the cliff's edge, gazing at the horizon. "This isn't the end. But it is a new beginning."
Kael gave a tired smile. "And we'll make sure that light keeps shining. For those who are gone."
They turned and walked on — into a world now free, yet still imperfect. Ereth and Selene's final light lived on in Luma, guiding her as a beacon for a world still searching for its path.