The blast of energy from the collision between blue and gold magic swept away the Inquisitor's remaining forces, forcing the silver-armored mercenaries to retreat and dissolve into clouds of dimensional smoke. Sanctuary of Echoes fell silent once more, leaving only the echoes of Vespera and Caelen's breathing as they stood side by side in the middle of the sacred chamber.
Vespera lowered her dagger. The blue radiance of the soul crystal dagger had now merged perfectly with the warmth of the remaining golden energy in Caelen's hand. The cracks in the crystal walls slowly closed, reflecting the light of new stars beginning to shine brightly beyond the protective dome.
Caelen turned and looked at the woman beside him with a sincere smile. "We made it past the first boundary."
Vespera returned his gaze, feeling a warmth she had never known in the past, when she still lived in the emptiness. She knew the true battle to restore the order of the universe had only just begun, but for the first time in the thousands of years of her immortality, she was no longer walking alone.
"Yes," Vespera whispered softly as she accepted Caelen's outstretched hand. "And now it's time for us to rewrite our own destiny."