The storm of shadows swirled violently around them, tendrils of darkness reaching out like hungry beasts. Riven took a deep breath, grounding himself as he stared into the abyss. The voice of the cloaked figure echoed in his mind—reminders of every regret, every failure he tried to bury.
"I ran from who I was," Riven whispered. "But now… I face it."
Lysara stepped closer, chanting softly under her breath. Her staff glowed with a warm golden light, pushing back the darkness inch by inch. Kael drew his sword again, the blade shimmering with a pale blue aura.
"Your past does not define you," Lysara said firmly. "We fight the darkness within to bring the light back."
The shadow snarled, transforming into grotesque shapes—memories twisted into monsters. Faces of lost friends, broken promises, moments of doubt. Riven's knees shook but he held his ground.
"I'm not afraid anymore," he said, voice steady. "I carry my past not as a burden, but as a lesson."
With a sudden roar, Riven charged, sword cutting through the shadow-forms. Kael and Lysara followed, their combined power slicing through the night. The darkness shrieked, retreating before the strength of their unity.
When the last shadow dissolved, silence filled the chamber.
Riven looked to his friends, gratitude and resolve burning in his eyes. "Thank you. I couldn't have done this without you."
Kael smiled, sheathing his sword. "We're more than comrades—we're family."
Lysara nodded. "And families fight together, no matter what."
Outside, the first light of dawn crept in, promising a new beginning.