The Hollow King's last words echoed as his form unraveled:
"You healed what should never have been whole."
And with that, the rift began to close—slowly, painfully.
But the Shard Gate remained, now dormant. A wound no longer bleeding, but still unhealed.
The realms quaked. Ancient ley-lines realigned. The World-Flame dimmed, no longer alone—but shared.
Lioran descended.
His body was changed—no longer entirely mortal, but not divine either.
He knelt before Aran and Elira.
"I didn't destroy him," he said softly. "I forgave him."
Elira wept. Aran's hand gripped his son's shoulder.
In that moment, the world breathed.
And did not shatter.