As dawn's first light filtered through the chamber's ceiling, Rui floated in the now-still waters, her body weightless.
The afterglow of the ritual left her breathless and transformed.
She lifted her hand above the water's surface, watching in wonder as dual energies danced across her fingertips—pink-gold chaos flame intertwined perfectly with jade celestial light, neither overwhelming the other.
"It worked," she whispered, her voice echoing in the chamber.
Ran, still beside her in the lunar bath, watched with fascination.
"How does it feel?"
"Like... balance." Rui closed her eyes, sensing the harmony within. Her chaos core no longer fought against her celestial heritage; instead, they complemented each other.
She could feel everything—the subtle currents of celestial energy flowing through the palace, the chaotic whispers of the underworld far below, even the faint connection to those she loved across realms.
