The cold night settled over their camp like a shroud. The battle at the temple had drained them all, but no one felt the weight more than Elara and Evelyn.
Elara sat by the dying fire, her eyes distant and haunted, but it was Evelyn who finally broke the silence.
She stood, her hands trembling as she cradled a shattered pendant—the last thing Lucien had clutched before he fell.
"This..." Evelyn's voice cracked, tears spilling freely. "This is broken. Just like us."
Elara looked up, surprised. "Where did you find it?"
Evelyn swallowed hard. "Near where Lucien fell. I think it's a charm he carried for protection."
Her voice faltered as memories flooded her mind—every stolen glance, every shared secret.
"I should have protected him," she whispered, sinking to her knees. "I should have been stronger... I love him."
Kael watched quietly, conflicted but unable to find words to comfort her.
Suddenly, the forest stirred again—howls echoing from the darkness.
"Thorne's forces won't give us time to grieve," Kael said, standing.
Elara moved to comfort Evelyn, wrapping an arm around her.
"We carry his hope with us now," Elara said softly. "We fight for him."
Earlier, during the attack, Lucien had fought fiercely, desperate to protect the group.
But Nyra was merciless.
Her blade found its mark in his side, and despite Kael's frantic defense, Lucien fell, blood staining the earth.
Elara held him tightly, refusing to let go.
"Please… don't leave me," she sobbed.
Lucien's voice was faint. "You have to be strong. For all of us."
Then his eyes closed.
The group mourned as the fire flickered low.
But hidden from their eyes, Lucien's chest rose slowly—life stubbornly clinging on.
Nearby, a dark figure watched with a cruel smile.
"Not yet, Lucien," she whispered. "Your story isn't finished."
Back at camp, Evelyn stared at the broken pendant, the ache in her chest unbearable.
She hadn't told anyone about her feelings for Lucien—not yet—but now, with his life hanging by a thread, the truth burned bright.
"I'm sorry," she whispered. "For everything."
Elara squeezed her hand.
"We will face what comes," Elara said, voice steady despite the pain.
"We owe him that much."
The night grew colder, but the fire of hope and heartbreak burned fierce in their hearts.