The Cathedral's heart shattered in a blaze of golden fire and blue-green light. Stone cracked beneath Soren's feet as the shockwave tore through ancient walls, sending centuries of sacred relics crashing to the marble floor.
Dust and debris rained from the vaulted ceiling, scripture burning black where the conflicting energies had scorched it beyond recognition.
Soren struggled to his feet, blood trickling from a dozen small cuts across his face and arms. His ears rang from the explosion, making the world around him seem distant and muffled.
The broken scripture-chains lay scattered at his feet, their blue light extinguished, their hold over him finally broken.
For the first time in days, he stood truly free.
Through the settling dust, he made out Sylas and his remaining assassins regrouping near a shattered archway.
