Lily's expression became regretful as she continued.
"The fragment ended there. My ancestor's final message was cut off at that moment, right before the final battle's conclusion."
She took a breath.
"We didn't know what happened next. None of the direct descendants received any further memories, any indication of victory or defeat."
Her hands clenched.
"Days passed with no word, then weeks. The elders prepared for the worst, assuming our Ancestor had fallen along with everyone else who'd answered the Oracle's summons."
Her eyes found Damian's face.
"But then survivors started returning home. Wounded Gods, broken Demigods and warriors who'd barely escaped with their lives."
Her voice became stronger, carrying certainty that made the air itself seem to vibrate.
"And from their scattered reports, from the fragments of testimony we managed to piece together, we learned the truth..."
She paused, letting the tension build.
