Weeks passed.
Lyria healed.
Kael healed.
And Althea, too, grew stronger her powers now stable, her heart no longer haunted by doubt.They rebuilt the sanctuary, turning it into a safe haven for those gifted like her people misunderstood, feared, or hunted.Kael trained them.Althea guided them.And together, they created something new a place of hope.One evening, as lanterns drifted across the river, Kael pulled her aside.
"Althea," he whispered, his voice trembling. "There's something I need to ask you."
She smiled softly. "Anything."
He took her hands.
"I spent my life in shadows," he said. "Running, hiding, hurting. But you… you gave me something I didn't think I'd ever have."He knelt.
A home. A purpose. A heart."Her breath caught.Stay with me," he said. "Not because of fate. Not because of destiny. But because I choose you. Every day. Every moment."
Althea felt tears fall.
And she answered instantly.
"Yes."