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*Focus: Elira*
The chamber trembled as they stepped deeper into the throne's sanctum.
The corrupted heart of the Crown Warden had not died with its vessel—it had taken root in the chamber's core, forming a massive cocoon of obsidian crystal and tangled spectral chains. Faint whispers danced in the air like wind through broken glass, and above the cocoon floated a fractured moonlight—twisting with corrupted mana.
Yuki narrowed his gaze. "This is the true source."
Elira stepped forward beside him, her pale eyes reflecting the eerie moonlight. "It's responding to arcane energy… to me."
Before anyone could object, she raised her staff and let her mana surge.
"**Witch's Eclipse: Lunar Void.**"
A pulse of silver-violet magic blasted outward, striking the cocoon. It cracked, revealing a malformed, spectral creature—like a twisted mockery of an archmage, with tattered robes made of cursed parchment and skeletal wings of broken runes.
The *Last Echo of the Warden* shrieked, and a wave of silence crushed the chamber.
Spells fizzled. Words vanished. Only Elira stood unmoved.
Yuki turned to her. "Elira—"
Her eyes burned with calm fury. "This thing is mine."
Without waiting, she floated forward, her staff trailing threads of arcane moonfire.
The Echo retaliated, launching corrupted spells. Elira twisted mid-air, weaving through them with practiced grace, each counterspell glowing with moonlight.
"Stay behind me," Yuki said, leaping forward to deflect an attack meant for her.
She didn't argue this time.
Instead, she chanted, **"Astral Binding."**
Chains of starlight wrapped around the Echo's arms as Yuki blasted it from below. It staggered, screeching, but not falling.
And then—it struck back.
A barrage of runic magic exploded toward Elira. She raised a shield just in time, but the force sent her spiraling. Her shield cracked. Her vision blurred.
"Elira!" Yuki called, racing toward her.
The Echo charged, blade of void-magic raised.
Yuki intercepted it, snarling, fire flaring wildly.
But the creature's aura began to twist Yuki's flame—corrupting it.
"No!" Elira gasped, forcing herself to rise.
She held her staff aloft. "I won't let you touch him—"
"**Twilight Rebirth!**"
Moonlight burst from her like a tidal wave.
The Echo recoiled as silver energy consumed it. The chamber lit up in brilliance—raw, beautiful, devastating. The creature screamed one final time before vanishing into pure light.
Silence fell.
Yuki landed beside Elira, breathing heavily. "Are you okay?"
She nodded weakly, trembling. "That spell… it drained more than I thought."
Yuki bent his head down to her level. "You shouldn't have pushed yourself so far."
She smiled faintly. "You protected me. I had to return the favor."
His eyes softened. "You've done more than that."
Elira's breath caught. "Yuki…"
Her hand reached out, brushing his scales gently. "You've always been calm… strong… But when I see how you fight for us—not as a monster, but as *you*—I…"
She hesitated.
"I think I've loved you for longer than I realized."
Yuki stared at her, struck silent.
Elira looked down. "I'm not as bold as the others. I think too much, hesitate too often. But even if I can't say the right words—know this: I chose you."
Yuki leaned closer, his forehead pressing lightly to hers.
"You don't have to say everything. I already feel it."
Elira flushed. "You do?"
He chuckled softly. "You're not the only one who overthinks."
For a moment, they stayed like that—silent, breathing the same air, their bond forming quietly but unmistakably.
Then the others arrived.
Lumi gave a little smirk. "So, who's next for a dramatic magical confession?"
Elira blushed furiously, but didn't move from her spot beside Yuki.
"Let's save that for Seiris," Yuki said, glancing toward the shadows.
And from those shadows… Seiris was already watching.
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