Adrian sat alone beside a stone marker, fingers tracing faded carvings. Names long dead.
Elder Laen approached quietly. "They're asleep. Even Bella."
Adrian nodded.
"You should rest."
"I can't."
"Because of the Bound Star?"
Adrian looked up. "Because of what comes next."
Laen sat beside him. "You've done what most would consider impossible. You revived a sect. You uncovered corruption. You survived the Raven Chain and the demonic cults. You've made enemies of people who don't fear death."
Adrian's voice was low. "And they'll chase us to the edge of the empire."
"Let them."
He turned.
Laen met his gaze with tired, ancient eyes. "You are not alone, Adrian. Not anymore."
Adrian exhaled.
The mist around the shrine stirred faintly.
"Then we begin again," he said. "We find the remnants. We restore what was broken. Not just Mistshroud—but all those who were scattered."
