They didn't stop running until the prison cliffs were far behind them.
Only when the forest grew quiet did Ethan finally slow down. The silver light around him faded, leaving behind exhaustion and silence. The night sky stretched above them, filled with countless stars.
Lyria leaned against a tree, breathing hard.
"You shouldn't have come alone," she said softly.
Ethan looked at her, his expression serious. "There was no other choice."
For a moment, neither spoke. The events of the past days weighed heavily on them—fear, pain, and the thin line between survival and loss.
Lyria broke the silence.
"When they captured me," she said, "they told me you would abandon me. That you'd choose power over me."
Ethan's fists tightened.
"I would lose everything before I lose you," he said firmly.
The wind stirred the leaves. Starlight reflected in Lyria's eyes.
She stepped closer. "Then promise me something."
"Anything."
"Promise you won't lose yourself to that power," she said. "Promise you'll come back—every time."
Ethan closed his eyes. The Fate Mark pulsed, calmer than ever before.
"I promise," he said. "No matter how dark it gets, I'll return to you."
Lyria smiled, tears forming. She placed her hand over his chest, right above the mark.
"Then I'll be your anchor," she whispered.
They stood together beneath the stars—no destiny, no empire, no fear.
Just two hearts making a promise stronger than fate.
Far away, unseen forces stirred.
But for this moment, the world was quiet.