Capítulo 22: Epilogue: A New Dawn

Though remnants of loss hung in the air like dark clouds from a far-off storm, the wounds of the apocalypse started to lessen as the months went by. Slowly, humanity recovered, emerging from the ashes like fresh shoots. Despite the world's pleas for them to recover, Cassiel walked on with a sad heart, carrying Arin's memories as though it were a priceless treasure that they couldn't bear to lose.

Cassiel was pulled to the spot where they had first met, a tiny clearing with a view of the wide horizon, on the anniversary of Arin's sacrifice. Cassiel felt a familiar warmth envelop them in that silent moment, as the first rays of dawn painted the sky in rose and gold hues. It seemed as though Arin was there, an unseen presence that both evoked desire and serenity.

Then Cassiel heard it—a whisper, faint but clearly Arin's voice, woven through the morning like a tune only they could hear, carried on a gentle breeze.

"Cassiel, live. Enjoy the life we were able to preserve together. With love and optimism, carry this planet with you, just as you did me.

As Cassiel gazed out to the infinite horizon and felt the weight of Arin's presence gently descend upon them, a gentle grin appeared on their lips. The pain of loss had given way to the tender warmth of a love that had outlived death itself, a love strong enough to endure the end of the world.

They strolled alongside Cassiel as he turned to go, a renewed sense of purpose, Arin's legacy serving as a beacon for the remaining years of their lives. Cassiel was not alone in that dawn; Arin's soul was with them, engraved in each breath and heartbeat, a quiet pledge that they would live, respect, and treasure the earth they had rescued together, no matter what.

Final Scene:

With Arin's love ingrained in their spirit for all time, Cassiel moved on with lighter steps. A tribute to a love that transcended time and fate, a love that would sustain them both through whatever was ahead, they faced a new day together.