"Heir of Light."
Aurelia's voice echoed across the endless golden realm.
The ancient symbol hovered between them.
Brilliant.
Radiant.
Alive.
Emily stared at it.
Every instinct told her that this moment would change everything.
Not just for her.
Not just for Alexander.
But for the Sanctuary.
For the world.
For the war that had begun thousands of years ago.
The symbol pulsed.
Once.
Twice.
Then it slowly drifted toward her.
The closer it came, the more Emily could feel its power.
Ancient memories.
Forgotten knowledge.
Countless generations.
All contained within a single mark.
Aurelia smiled gently.
"You are afraid."
Emily laughed nervously.
"A little."
"A little?" Aurelia repeated with amusement.
Emily rubbed the back of her neck.
"Fine. I'm terrified."
For the first time in what felt like forever, Aurelia laughed.
Not the laugh of a Founder.
Not the laugh of a legend.
But the laugh of a woman.
Warm.
Human.
Kind.
The sound surprised Emily.
