Before departure—
They gathered.
Lira. Nyra. Seris. Silas. Aelira.
No words at first.
Then Nyra spoke.
"We don't separate."
Aelira nodded. "We adapt together."
Silas added, "We stabilize if needed."
Seris crossed her arms.
"We finish it if not."
Lira looked at Kael.
"…And we stay with you."
Kael exhaled slowly.
"…Then we move as one."
Five flames.
One center.