---
The crystalline throne crumbled, scattering shards across the floor like stardust. Aeiris leaned against Seiris, dazed, but conscious. Her silver eyes shimmered with emotion as she looked up at her older sister.
"You… came for me?" she asked, voice raw.
Seiris tightened her embrace, something uncharacteristically gentle softening her features. "Of course I did, idiot. I said I'd protect you. Always."
Yuki stepped forward, kneeling beside them, his large draconic form shrinking to a humanoid shape. "She was being used. A living seal and conduit. But now the curse is broken."
Aeiris looked at him, blinking in recognition. "You're… the dragon they talked about."
"He has a name, you know," Lumi cut in, grinning as she crossed her arms. "Yuki. Big, scaly, and has a soft spot for beautiful women."
"Lumi—!" Elira groaned, facepalming.
"Oh please, you're not denying it," Lumi shot back.
Elira turned away, flustered. "Just because it's *true* doesn't mean you have to say it out loud."
Sylvaeria giggled behind them, her wind aura fluttering. "We're starting to sound like a traveling comedy troupe."
Aeiris blinked at the banter, then quietly smiled, eyes softening. "You're all… close."
"Family," Yuki said simply.
Aeiris's lips trembled.
Seiris helped her to her feet. "We'll get you out of here. You don't have to be alone anymore."
Yuki extended his hand, his eyes glowing faintly. "There's still something more I can offer. Aeiris… do you want strength? To protect yourself—and others—by your own will?"
Aeiris hesitated. Then, slowly, she reached forward. "Yes."
Golden light surged between them.
> \[Aetherbond Initiated: Aeiris – Spirit Warden Initiate]
> \[New Affinity Awakened: Mirror Soul]
> \[Unique Skill Acquired: Soul Reflection – Projects a memory-based illusion with partial physical power of an observed enemy.]
> \[Contract Established: Aeiris is now a Kindred Flame]
The glow faded, and Aeiris stood straighter, power settling around her like silk. She held her sister's hand tighter.
Elira smiled. "Welcome to the family, officially."
Sylvaeria gave her a light nudge with a gust of wind. "No turning back now."
Yuki chuckled. "Not that anyone ever *really* wants to."
Lumi laughed. "Unless you enjoy a boring, peaceful life without chaos, dragons, or... snuggly assassin sisters."
Seiris glared at her, but her ears reddened.
"Not denying it either, huh?" Lumi added with a wink.
Yuki rolled his eyes. "Alright, team. Let's move."
As they ascended toward the final chamber of the ruin—one last throne awaited.
---
**Scene Transition: Preparation Before the Final Boss**
The hallway beyond was calm—eerily so. A wide balcony overlooked the shattered realm outside, where dead skies swirled in cursed storms.
Sylvaeria pulled Yuki aside.
"This next foe… it's the heart of the anomaly. Everything corrupted here flows from him. A failed guardian, fallen by pride. We should be careful."
"Thanks," Yuki said. "But… we're not the same as when we started."
Elira walked up, her staff pulsing. "We'll win. Together."
Lumi jumped onto Yuki's back in human form. "You better let me get the finishing blow this time."
"Only if you stop hitting me in the face mid-battle," Yuki said dryly.
"No promises."
Aeiris and Seiris stood side by side. "We're ready," the assassin said quietly.
"For her," Aeiris added.
They pushed open the last great door.
---