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Eventually, she eases from my arms and unrolls our bedding near the fire’s dwindling embers. I join her, sharing another soft laugh at how normal this moment feels after battling illusions and forging seals. We slip beneath the blankets, limbs tangling as we settle. The brand glows faintly, synergy lulling us toward a restful sleep.

Before I drift off, I lean down to whisper in her ear, heart pounding with gratitude. “Sariah, mate of my heart, tomorrow we face a new dawn. Are you ready for the journey?”

A soft smile curves her lips, eyes half-lidded. “With you, Kaelith, always,” she whispers, brushing a kiss to my jaw. “No illusions, no condemnation, only what we build together.”

I close my eyes, a tear sliding free.Yes, only what we build.The synergy hum vibrates softly, ushering us into a peaceful slumber. The final image in my mind is the sunrise we’ll greet hand in hand—no illusions weighing me down, no brand binding her in fear. Just the pure, unbreakable bond that merges purna and gargoyle, forging a love stronger than any old curse.

The following morning, I stir at dawn, awakened by pale sunlight dancing across my eyelids. My limbs ache pleasantly, a reminder of the vow we made and the union we shared. Sariah slumbers beside me, her hair strewn over the bedding, brand faintly glowing against her forearm. For a moment, I just watch her breathe, marveling that I—once sealed in stone—found such devotion in a world freed from illusions.

Careful not to disturb her, I slip from the blankets and step outside our makeshift camp. The cool dawn air refreshes me, chasing away lingering weariness. My runes remain subdued lines across my arms and chest, but I no longer mourn the lost power.I have something better.A satisfied smile tugs at my mouth.

Behind me, I sense movement. Sariah emerges, cloak draped over her shoulders, hair tousled by sleep. The brand flickers in a gentle greeting. She comes up beside me, slipping an arm around my waist, her cheek against my shoulder. We stand together, watching the sunrise transform the sky into brilliant gold and rose, painting an ethereal glow over the rolling hills.

I lean my head against hers, inhaling the warm scent of her skin. “A new dawn,” I whisper, voice husky. “Just as we promised.”

She nods, resting a hand over her brand. “Yes,” she breathes. “And we greet it as mates.” A tremor of emotion colors her tone. “Do you feel it, Kaelith? The synergy between us, humming softly, no illusions meddling.”

I exhale, heart swelling. “I do,” I murmur, turning to face her fully. My arms encircle her waist, wings folding behind me. “I sense every beat of your heart, every flicker of your brand, reminding me we chose each other.”

She smiles through tears, standing on tiptoe to press her lips to mine. The brand glows, synergy rippling in a quiet wave. We linger in that tender kiss, a final reflection of the vow we made and the life we’ll build. My tail curls around her calf, a playful echo of the moment we first realized we were more than reluctant allies.

When we part, the sun fully breaks the horizon, illuminating us in radiant light. We gather our few belongings, staff, cloak, and the half-empty pack of supplies. With one last glance at the sunrise, we clasp hands, synergy pulsing in time with our hearts. The brand on her wrist, the faint lines of runes on my arms, both affirm that we walk forward as equals, bound by love rather than illusions.

We step onto the faint trail leading beyond Prazh, stepping into a world that might fear gargoyle and purna. But we do it anyway, hearts entwined, forging a future shaped by our own choices. A breeze ruffles my hair, and it carries the scent of pine and the promise of a fresh start. I glance at Sariah, finding her smiling, eyes bright with anticipation, and I smile back—grateful that after all illusions and battles, we stand in a new dawn, mates by vow and by heart.

Our footsteps fade into the forest hush, brand and runes pulsing in gentle unity. We vanish beyond the temple’s old threshold, leaving behind centuries of curses, illusions, and condemnation. In their place, we carry a vow that even the darkest illusions couldn’t break: to love each other freely, to roam wherever the road leads, and to greet the rising sun with hope brimming in our chests.

We are free, at last, to live.