The faint light crept over the ruined Lunari outpost as Kael, battered but driven, rallied the task force under the dawn's gray sky. His side throbbed from the ambush wound, but his golden eyes burned with resolve to save Liora. With Sylis and a few loyal warriors, he stormed the cellar, the clash of steel echoing as they fought through Shadow Council guards.
Inside, Liora had nearly freed herself, her hidden blade slicing the last rope, when she heard the commotion. Seizing the moment, she disarmed a distracted guard, grabbing the second shard as chaos erupted. Kael burst through, his broadsword cleaving a path, and their eyes met—his relief mirroring her determination. "I had it handled!" she shouted, dodging an attack.
"Clearly," Kael grunted, deflecting a blow aimed at her, their synergy kicking in. Together, they fought back-to-back, her daggers flashing while his strength cleared the room. The task force secured the perimeter, and they escaped, the shard pulsing in Liora's grip. Outside, their reunion was tense—Kael's concern clashed with her pride, the mistrust from her secrecy lingering as they caught their breath under the breaking dawn.