Three months after the entity's defeat, life began to normalize.
The sanctuary expanded, incorporating memorial gardens for the fallen. New buildings rose, dedicated to species cooperation and peace. The coalition, tested by fire, emerged stronger than ever.
Adrian and Kieran's relationship had changed subtly. Having faced death together, having literally merged their souls to defeat an ancient evil, they were even more inseparable than before.
"How does it feel?" Wei asked one evening. "Having saved existence?"
"Exhausting," Adrian admitted. "Overwhelming. I just want to rest."
"Then rest. You've earned it. Both of you."
And they did. For the first time in years, Adrian and Kieran took actual time off. No coordination, no politics, no crises. Just living.