The Sanctuary of Ashhalan shimmered into view like a mirage, nestled between the cliffs and canopies of the Whispering Vale. Ivory towers pulsed with golden runes, and luminous vines curled up their walls like veins of living Light. Crystal-feather windchimes sang in the breeze. Magic hung in the air—gentle, protective, and sacred.
Nyxia stumbled through the archway, one hand pressed to her ribs, the other clinging to Loque's scorched ruff. Her armor was half-melted and blackened. Her skin—bruised, raw, bleeding. Beside her, Loque limped, void-burns etched into his fur, his usual glow flickering like a dying ember.
A Lightforged sentinel gasped."Get Master Perseus. Now!"
Inside, the sanctuary was ablaze with brilliant radiance. Incense drifted from golden braziers. Holy water trickled from carved fountains. Acolytes turned as Nyxia entered—their eyes widening, hands flying to mouths in shock.
Footsteps echoed.
"By the Naaru—Nyxia?!"
Perseus's voice rang like sunlight and silver bells. He strode toward her, radiant as ever—his armor gleaming, golden skin glowing with etched runes. His white hair was braided neatly, but joy faded from his face the moment he saw her up close.
"No. No, no—Light, what happened to you?!"
Nyxia tried to speak, but her knees buckled.
Perseus caught her instantly.
"She needs a cleansing bath—now. Loque too!"He turned to the attendants. "Summon my circle. Prepare the healing chamber. Go!"
He looked down at her, brushing a bloodied strand from her face."You're safe now. I've got you. You hear me, Huntress? You're safe."
Her lips parted in a rasp."We barely made it out… rot dragon… Ves'Sariel… she's still…"
His expression darkened.
"I'll get answers later. Right now, just breathe. Let me heal you."
Golden light flared from his hands as he carried her deeper into the sanctuary.
Warm water cradled her body.
The bath was circular, carved into moonstone and lined with radiant glyphs. Shimmering Light buoyed her limbs. Jasmine and sacred oils perfumed the air… but beneath it lingered the scent of ash, rot, and blood.
Her armor had been stripped away. Bruises faded beneath golden currents of healing. Acolytes hummed a low chant in an ancient tongue.
Perseus stood at the edge of the bath, glowing hands held over her heart.
"Let the Light touch more than just the wound," he murmured. "Let it cleanse the memory."
The spell surged through her—
She was back.
The temple before its fall. Banners of pale blue danced in the sun. Ves'Sariel laughed barefoot in the courtyard, petals caught in her violet hair.
Nyxia grabbed her wrist and pulled her behind a pillar.
"You'll get caught," Ves teased, voice like windchimes.
"I want to be caught," Nyxia whispered.
Their lips met like fire and storm—wild, reckless.
Then—
The sunlight vanished. The temple darkened.
Ves'Sariel turned, eyes hollow, voidlight glowing.
"You left me," she said.
Nyxia stumbled back. "I tried to save you—!"
"You let them chain me," Ves hissed, voice doubling, warping. "You let me break."
"No—!"
Nyxia choked aloud in the bath. The holy water began to boil.
Perseus gripped her shoulder, grounding her.
"She's reliving it," an acolyte whispered.
"Let her. She must move through it," Perseus replied, though his eyes ached with worry.
The memories came fast.
Blood on her hands. Loque's scream as he was nearly torn in half. The child in Sholazar she failed to save. Her voice, cold, telling Ves'Sariel: "I can't follow you down that path."
Each vision lashed at her soul.
Until—
The light shifted.
Cool. Gentle. Familiar.
Loque'nahak appeared beside her—whole and glowing. He pressed his head to her chest, his silent strength wrapping around her like a warm blanket.
"I'm so tired," she sobbed.
I know, came the wordless reply.
When she awoke, the water had cooled.
The light dimmed. Her scars—faded. Her body—whole.
Perseus sat nearby, watching her with misted eyes.
"…You were gone a long time," he said softly.
"I had to face what I buried," Nyxia rasped, gripping the bath's edge. "But I'm not done. Not yet."
Perseus extended a hand."Then rise, Huntress. The Light still has a place for you."
Later That Night
Wrapped in a thick blanket, Nyxia sat on a marble bench overlooking the moonlit glade. The sanctuary behind her glowed faintly. Her hair was still damp, clinging to her skin. The silence around her was deep… peaceful.
Hoof steps approached.
She didn't turn.
Perseus sat beside her without a word.
After a long pause, he spoke.
"When I heard you vanished, I searched everywhere. I thought you were dead, Nyxia."
"I thought I was too," she said quietly.
He turned toward her. "Why didn't you come back?"
Her jaw tightened."Because I was ashamed. I watched the people I love fall—and I couldn't stop it. Every time I tried to save someone, they either died… or turned into something worse."
"I was supposed to be strong," she continued. "The Huntress of the North. The last bondmate to a spirit beast. Revered. But I failed."
Perseus's voice was a whisper."You didn't fail me."
She gave a bitter laugh. "That's because you weren't there to see it."
He placed his hand over hers.
"You think the Light only shines on the perfect? That it favors those who never bleed or break? We are who we are because we survived. That's why you're needed, Nyxia."
Her lip trembled. "I missed you."
"I missed you," he replied. His voice cracked. "I kept telling myself I'd see you again. That I'd drag you back if I had to. And now you're here, and all I can do is thank the Light."
Tears welled in her eyes.
"I was so alone, Perseus. You were my anchor. I didn't know how badly I needed you until you were gone."
He opened his arms.
She collapsed into them.
Her sobs were messy, storming through her. Rage. Grief. Relief. All of it.
Perseus held her—firm, warm, steady.
"You're home now," he whispered. "You don't have to carry this alone."
And for the first time in years… she believed it.
The Next Morning
Sunlight spilled into the courtyard. Birds chirped. The world smelled fresh—like beginnings.
Inside, the kitchen was warm with the scent of herbs and eggs sizzling over flame.
Nyxia and Perseus sat at a low table, eating quietly. Warm bread. Fresh fruit. Steaming tea.
Loque sprawled out at their feet, tail flicking playfully.
Perseus chuckled. "What's this? You've become a beggar now?"
Loque sniffed dramatically, eyeing the sausages.
"You can't eat my breakfast," Nyxia said, tossing him a scrap of bread. "You've had enough meat and madness."
Perseus leaned back. "I don't know… he's looking at me like I've stolen his birthright."
Loque swatted at him with a massive paw.
Nyxia laughed. "Even a legendary spirit beast turns into a pup when there's food on the table."
"You're lucky you're cute," Perseus muttered, dodging another swipe.
Loque rolled onto his back, tail thudding for attention.
"Oh, now you want belly rubs?" Nyxia teased. "When did you become soft?"
Perseus smirked. "If I'd raised him, he'd have manners."
Loque gave a huff like he disagreed.
Nyxia tossed him another bit of bread. He caught it easily, licking the air in exaggerated thanks.
Perseus smiled. "I'm glad you're back. You don't know how much I missed you."
Nyxia returned the smile, eyes soft. "I'm starting to feel like I can breathe again."
Loque let out a huff, curling at their feet—content.
And for a moment… everything felt like it might just be okay.