The silence that followed the blinding light was eerie, almost tangible, as if the world itself were holding its breath. The shadows had retreated, momentarily scattered by the power of the Luminal Heart, but Kael knew this was only a reprieve. The Eternal Shadow had been forced back, yet its presence lingered, an ominous weight pressing against the edges of their camp.
Kael scanned the field, his vision still swimming from the brightness of the Heart's last pulse. His comrades stood in tense silence, weapons ready, eyes sharp, waiting for the next move. Despite the weight of exhaustion settling over them, a sense of determination burned stronger than ever. For they had proven to themselves that the darkness was not invincible. It could be pushed back—at least for a time.