Dim candlelight flickered against the ancient stone walls of the hidden chamber beneath the celestial palace. Maps, enchanted relics, and coded scrolls lay spread across a broad oak table.
Valen leaned over the table, tracing paths through shifting realms with his finger. His silver eyes gleamed with urgency.
Aurelia paced restlessly, her glowing blue eyes scanning the maps, her fingers absentmindedly weaving a strand of silver hair.
Valen: "The Celestial Sovereign's patrols have doubled. The gates to the mortal world will be sealed at dawn."
Aurelia: "Then we have less time than I feared."
She stopped, facing him with fierce determination.
"What about Hope? She's not safe here either."
Valen's expression hardened.
"She'll be hidden away—somewhere even the gods cannot reach. But first, we have to get out."
Aurelia's voice softened.
"What if they catch us? What if it's the end?"
Valen stepped closer, taking her hands in his.
"Then we fight. Together."
A sudden whisper from a shadowy corner made them both freeze.
A cloaked figure emerged — an old ally who had stayed loyal in secret.
Ally: "The route through the Veil Rift is clear, but it's guarded by ancient wards. Only a mortal with divine blessing can pass safely."
Valen nodded.
"Then Mia is our key. She can protect Hope and help us."
Aurelia swallowed hard.
"And if they come after us?"
Valen's eyes burned brighter.
"Then we make sure they regret it."