He stepped forward unflinching, his eyes locked on the portal. Flames painted his face crimson and gold, while his eyes gleamed silver, mirroring the eerie light. "You've done enough," he said quietly.
He turned slightly. "Jaha." Without words, he signaled the first guardian, offering him a choice to stay behind. Jaha understood, but instead of hesitating, he picked up Goyeon in his arms. Together, Jaha and Goyeon stepped into the portal. For a heartbeat, there was silence. Then the light collapsed inward, and the circle burned out, leaving only smoke curling toward the ceiling and the faint echo of the Storm Bell's dying ring.
When Patriarch Goh opened his eyes again, they were gone, along with the faint warmth of the fire, leaving the underground hall empty and still, as if none of it had ever happened.
~*~
The moment they stepped through, the world seemed to fracture.
