(Opening Scene: Astrid and Zane have just released the massive shockwave of synchronized energy that pulsed through Lumina Academy. They slowly descend, still holding hands, the remnants of their heightened power fading.)
The vibrant glow that had enveloped Astrid and Zane began to recede, the air around them settling back to its normal temperature. The intense energy that had coursed through their bodies, fueling the creation and release of the powerful shockwave, had taken its toll.
A wave of exhaustion washed over Astrid, her limbs feeling heavy and drained. The lightness she had experienced from the draining of her curse was now overshadowed by a profound magical fatigue. Her eyelids fluttered, and the world around her began to blur.
Zane, too, felt the sudden and complete depletion of his energy reserves. The effort of channeling his void magic in conjunction with Astrid's elemental power, amplified by the strange influence of the Black Crown and the commanding voice in his mind, had left him utterly drained. His grip on Astrid's hand loosened slightly, and his head began to swim.
Simultaneously, their knees buckled. Still holding hands, they swayed precariously before collapsing to the floor in an unconscious heap. The Black Crown remained on Zane's head, the purple gem within it now glowing softly, a silent testament to the energy that had flowed through them. Eclipse remained coiled on Zane's shoulder, his pitch-black eyes still fixed and unblinking.
The others in the room watched in stunned silence as Astrid and Zane fell. Lady Elara gasped, her fear momentarily replaced by concern. Prince Lysander remained huddled on the floor, his earlier outrage subdued by the sheer display of their power. Xander rushed forward, his expression a mixture of worry and scientific curiosity. Headmaster Theron, his face etched with concern, moved quickly to assess their condition. The synchronized release of their combined energy had left them both completely spent.