The storm in the Gray Realm dissipated, and embers slowly settled. Elea and Lucian stood embracing, surrounded by flickering light where and crimson flames intertwined—the mark of the elevated soul-scorching pact, the Oath of Gray Flames.
She stroked his face, murmuring: "Still alive... still in my arms."
Lucian smiled, kissing her damp: "Because you wouldn't let go."
Their souls were now fully intertwined. Elea could feel Lucian's heartbeat and every tremor, while he could hear the murmur of her desire and pain intertwined.
In this oath, neither could survive alone.
A beam of gray flame pierced the Gray Realm's sky, lifting them back to the mortal world.
When their feet touched the earth again, the air reeked of blood and fire.
The banners of the Royal Flame Army lay fallen on the wasteland; remnants of soldiers fought desperately, while in the distance, the platinum banners of the Holy Army rose again, carrying the ironclad oppression of the church.
Kalia, her body drenched in blood, led the remaining mountain soldiers in defending the shattered city walls.
Catching sight of the descending light beam, she froze for a breath, then burst into joy: "Your Majesty! Your Highness!"
Elea and Lucian appeared side by side. The Oath of Gray Flames burned around them, leaving friend and foe alike breathless.
The Holy Army's commander's eyes turned cold, and he immediately shouted: "Archery formation! They're weakened—shoot them down at once!"
Countless arrows filled the sky.
Elea took Lucian's hand, whispering: "Together."
Lucian nodded.
Their bodies pressed close, and the soul-scorching oath fire erupted from where their lips met, billowing into a sky-covering soul flame. The arrows incinerated instantly, and the of fire turned the enemy ranks into a sea of purgatory.
The remaining Royal Flame Army's morale ignited in an instant, their voices rising as one: "Sworn by soul-scorching fire! Long live the Queen!"
Their battle cries intertwined with the scream of the gray flame phoenix, echoing across the battlefield.
Yet, from the Holy Army's ranks came the toll of heavy bells.
On the other side of the flames, a tall figure in silver holy armor emerged, wielding a holy spear etched with the Shattered Moon seal, staring at them coldly.
Elea's pupils contracted, whispering: "Shattered Moon... apostle..."
Lucian gripped his flame-forged sword, his gaze sharp as a blade: "It seems the Oath of Gray Flames, barely begun, must be fulfilled with a blood pact."
Their hands clasped tight, gray flames burning around them.
In this moment, they were no longer separate beings, but a vow to live and die as one.