The skies above Aeris glowed with crimson as the Archon Seren descended upon the Shadow Conclave's hidden enclave. His presence radiated authority, every step echoing across the clouded platforms.
"Liora," he called, his voice cutting like silver blades. "You have broken celestial law by sheltering a mortal. You have defied the natural order. I give you one final chance: surrender him to me, or both your fates—and the mortal's—will be sealed."
Kael stepped forward, his hand tightening around Liora's. "I won't let you take him," Liora said before Kael could protest. "He's innocent. He's… mine to protect."
Seren's mask gleamed with cold amusement. "Ah, the fallen star speaks as if love grants immunity. Tell me, child… how far will you go to save what you cannot keep?"
A tremor of fear passed through Liora, but she straightened. "Farther than you think."
Seren's eyes narrowed. "Very well. If you choose defiance, prepare yourself. The Archons will come, and they do not forgive."
Kael glanced at her. "Liora… what are we going to do?"
She met his gaze with determination. "We fight. Together. Even if the heavens themselves stand against us."
The Archon's presence receded for now, but the threat lingered. Every whispered shadow in Aeris reminded them: time was slipping, and the Starbond demanded a choice neither was fully prepared to make.