Moonlight glimmered off the towering spires of the Celestial Realm as Aurelia and Valen raced through the winding halls, their breaths ragged, hearts pounding like thunder.
Behind them, the clamorous footsteps of divine guards echoed closer, accompanied by piercing calls of alarm.
Aurelia's silver hair flowed behind her as she dashed, eyes blazing with determination.
Aurelia:"The Veil Rift is just ahead! Once we pass through, they can't follow."
Valen's muscles burned, but he pushed harder, sensing the weight of every second.
Suddenly, a squad of armored celestial warriors blocked their path, shimmering spears raised.
Valen growled and summoned a radiant shield that rippled with golden energy.
Valen:"Get through, I'll hold them off!"
Aurelia hesitated, but his fierce gaze left no room for doubt.
She nodded, clutching the small amulet that pulsed with Hope's dormant power.
Aurelia:"Be careful."
Valen charged at the warriors, energy crackling around him like a storm.
Aurelia sprinted toward the Veil Rift—a swirling portal of shimmering light framed by ancient runes.
The ground trembled beneath the clash behind her, but she forced herself forward, heart hammering as she dove through the portal.
Light enveloped her, and for a moment, she was weightless.
When she landed on the other side—a dark, quiet forest far from the celestial spires—relief flooded her.
But she knew the war was far from over.
Behind her, Valen's roar echoed faintly as the battle raged on.