They stood like that for a moment longer — the Christborn and the Ember Lance — wrapped in silence, golden light glowing faintly around them.
Chuka had turned slightly away to give them privacy, arms folded behind his back, though a faint smile tugged at his lips.
Everestus and Vitus stood back, letting the moment unfold.
"She grounded him," Everestus whispered.
"He needed that," Vitus replied, his voice full of quiet awe.
Eventually, Ellie pulled back just enough to look up at him. Her eyes were red, but fierce.
"So, what now, Louis?"
Louis looked past her, toward the horizon, where golden clouds were beginning to shift unnaturally. The world had already noticed him.
His smile faded into something quieter. Resolute.
"Now… we go see everyone who tried to end our family."
...
The wind had changed.
It smelled different now — faint ozone, golden fire, and something older. Like prophecy turned tangible.
