They traveled deeper into the catacombs until the air changed. Warmer. Charged. Alive.They entered an ancient chamber filled with glowing runes and floating crystals.Althea felt energy hum against her skin. "What is this place?"
Kael's expression darkened. "Where I was made."
She turned to him. "What do you mean?"He stepped toward a massive crystal monolith in the center of the room.
"I wasn't born with my abilities," he said slowly. "The Nightveil created them. Enhanced them. Trained me to be their weapon."
She felt his pain like a pulse beneath her ribs.
"When I escaped, they sent hunters to track me. That's why they want you—your gift is natural. Pure. They want to use it… or destroy it."
Althea approached him. "You're not what they made you, Kael."
He shook his head. "You don't understand. This darkness it's still inside me."
She touched his chest gently. "Then let me be the light."
Something shifted in his eyes then hope, fragile but real.
He kissed her softly, forehead resting against hers.
"Then I have something else to show you," he whispered.
He led her to a sealed door at the back of the chamber.
"It's the artifact they're after," he said. "The thing that could control every mind in Lyria."
"And we're the only ones who can stop them," she finished.
He nodded.
Together, they opened the door.
And stepped into destiny.