Later, in the quiet aftermath, Artemis and Elara found themselves alone again beneath the ancient stained glass dome.
Artemis touched a fresh scar along her arm, the sting a reminder of battle.
Elara brushed her fingers gently against it. "You fight like a warrior, but you heal like a guardian."
Artemis smiled softly. "I fight for us—for all of us."
Elara's eyes glistened. "And I fight to keep you safe."
They leaned in slowly, the tension between them dissolving in the softness of the moment.
"Whatever comes next," Artemis whispered, "we face it—together."
Elara smiled, her hand warm in Artemis's. "Always."
The war raged on beyond the walls, but here—in stolen moments between chaos—they found strength in each other.
And that bond was their greatest weapon of all.