As we stood outside the now-sealed entrance to the tunnel, the air was thick with the lingering tension of battle. The Heart of Despair was no more, shattered by our efforts, and the unexpected heroism of Lyrion, a former ally of the Demon King who had turned against his master. Exhausted, we took a moment to rest, catching our breath and reflecting on what this victory meant.
I looked around at my companions. Raven, my wife and partner in this endless struggle, was leaning against a rock, her face a mix of relief and contemplation. Her dark eyes met mine, and we shared a silent exchange of thoughts—a shared history, the battles fought side by side, and the love that had grown strong in the midst of chaos. Irene sat nearby, her usual cheerfulness dampened but still intact, while Lyrion stood apart, his expression one of cautious hope and anxiety.