The wind carried the scent of ancient trees and stardust as Aether and Aira crossed the border into Elaris — the homeland of the elves.
Towering silverwood trees lined the path, their leaves glowing faintly with ethereal light. Spirit wisps floated lazily through the air, recognizing Aira's presence… and whispering her name in songs only elves could hear.
"Nahida… she has returned."
Aether glanced around. "It's… beautiful."
Aira smiled faintly. "This forest hasn't changed. But I have."
They walked side by side, neither speaking for a while. The silence wasn't heavy — it was filled with memories. Of who they used to be. Of what they lost.
They camped near the Spirit Lake, a shimmering pool that reflected the stars even when clouds cloaked the sky.
Aether sat by the water, eyes reflecting a thousand points of light.
Aira approached quietly, draping a thin shawl over his shoulders. "You'll catch a cold."
He smirked. "Since when do I get cold?"
She sat beside him, resting her head on his shoulder.
"Do you ever wish we could just stay here?" she whispered.
"No wars. No gods. Just us."
He was quiet. Then:
"Every damn second."
Aira turned, brushing a hand over his chest where faint scars still glowed from his last battle.
"You gave up your healing. For me."
"I'd give up the world for you," Aether said simply. "I already did once, didn't I?"
She bit her lip. "Do you remember that promise… under the Moondrop Tree?"
He smiled faintly. "Of course I do."
"You said… if we ever returned to this world again, you'd find me. Even if I was reborn as a monster."
"I remember."
"And you did," she whispered, tears in her eyes.
"Even as the world called you a demon, you found me."
He leaned in, forehead against hers.
"And I always will."
Their lips met — not with hunger, but with something far deeper.
A kiss born of lifetimes, of blood and tears and love unbroken.
And the Spirit Lake shimmered brighter, as if the world itself paused to witness their reunion.
But not all eyes watched with kindness.
Far beyond, in the Moonspire Palace, the Elven Queen stared into her enchanted mirror.
"Nahida lives. But she walks beside the human who killed gods."
A man in shadow knelt beside her. "Shall I prepare the Starblades?"
"No. Not yet."
The Queen's voice was calm, but beneath it burned fear.
"Let them come. Let the people see her first.
Let them love her.
Then we'll tear her down ourselves."
Meanwhile, in the deepest chasm below Elaris, something stirred.
A chained creature opened one blood-red eye.
"So the soul devourer walks among the elves…"
Its laughter echoed like breaking bones.
"Perhaps it's time the Old Pact was honored again…"