I heard footsteps approaching across obsidian stone.
Multiple people, moving carefully, the sound of boots and weapons and exhausted breathing that came after fighting for your life.
"They're alive," someone said. Ryota's voice, carefully neutral in the way that meant he was relieved but trying not to show it.
I didn't turn to look, didn't have the energy. I just sat there with my back against Azryth's chest, his arms still around me, both of us shaking from exhaustion.
"Veyrith?" Mara asked, her voice tight with fatigue.
"Dead," Azryth said, his voice still layered with infernal harmonics.
"Entity?"
"Sealed."
Silence for a moment.
Then Kelvin let out a breath that sounded like he'd been holding it for days. "Holy shit. We actually did it."
"Don't sound so surprised," Kade muttered, but there was relief in his voice too.
