Kaden hesitated, scissors poised. "What happens if I cut it?"
The Weaver leaned closer. "Lara lives free. But Elysium's balance shifts—chaos or harmony, your choice."
Lara stepped forward. "Cut it, Kaden. I trust you."
Zeno and Nyx watched, shadows tight.
Kaden snipped the thread.
Lara gasped. Elysium glowed...
A counter swirled to life—balance tilted harmony.
Kaden turned. Lara stood, normal eyes, smiling.
"Free," she whispered.
Eira nodded. "Elysium's cycle renews. Kaden, you're key."
The group smiled, Elysium thriving...
Wait, Kaden's hand… empty. The scissors...
...Zeno held them. Shadow intent.