They returned to the Moon Realm under a sky heavy with stars and tension.
The three artifacts—The Tear of Elumir, the Mirror of Veyra, and the Flame of sereval—rested in a protective satchel on Jack's shoulder, pulsing faintly with power. Each one had left a mark on him. Not just on his magic, but his soul.
Auren stood waiting for them in the silver courtyard of his sanctuary, his expression unreadable.
"You retrieved them all," he said softly. "And not a moment too soon."
Nyssa stepped forward. "We had to fight through Isolde's traps at every turn. She knows."
"She always knew," Auren said grimly. "But now, she understands the threat. And she will move to crush it."
Kael crossed his arms. "So, what do we do with these artifacts? We slap her with them and hope for the best?"
Auren didn't laugh. "No. These are not weapons, Kael. They are keys. You've awakened their essence—but to use them, you must complete the Rite of Alignment. Only then can their power be directed toward Isolde's destruction."
Jack frowned. "Where?"
Auren looked up. "The Sanctum of Origins. Hidden deep within Vaelmir's oldest roots. You must return there—but not through any moon gate. You'll need to go through the Sun Gate."
Nyssa paled. "But… the Sun Gate's been closed for centuries."
"Not anymore," Auren said. "Not since Thalon awakened within you. His light has reignited paths long sealed."
Before they could question further, a thunderous roar shook the sky.
A ripple tore across the horizon—darkness spilling over like ink in water.
A portal had opened—one not made by them.
"Too late," Auren whispered. "She's coming."
—
At the heart of Vaelmir, Isolde stood atop her obsidian tower, cloaked in fire and shadow. Before her, hundreds of dark soldiers lined the valley—beasts, shades, and corrupted men bound to her will. Above, the sky swirled like a storm ready to burst.
The Council of Elders stood beside her, most now fully under her thrall. But even they looked uneasy as the ground itself trembled beneath the gathering power.
"Let them come," Isolde said. "Let him come. Let the boy carry his father's light—so I may snuff it out with my own hands."
She raised her staff, lightning crackling across the sky.
"And if he dares enter the Sanctum of Origins…" she growled, "I will bury it with him inside."
—
Back in the sanctuary, Auren placed his hand on Jack's shoulder.
"The time has come. The prophecy was never about power. It was about the return of balance. The gods are watching. Vaelmir's heart beats with hope again—but only if you finish what your father started."
Jack looked out at the stars, clutching the Ember Crown in his hand.
"I won't run," he said. "I'm ready."
Kael smirked. "Then let's go knock on Isolde's door."
Nyssa smiled faintly. "And hope she hasn't changed the locks."
As they turned toward the glowing Sun Gate, the air shimmered—an ancient, golden light awakening before them. It pulsed once, then opened like a breath held too long.
Jack stepped forward, heart pounding, artifacts glowing.
The final battle had begun.