Dawn broke over the ashen hills, painting the grey landscape in hues of pale gold and bruised purple. The camp stirred to life survivors checking weapons, sharing what little food remained, preparing for the final push to the Vale. But before they could move, Veyra appeared at the edge of the camp, her ancient form shimmering with urgency.
"The amulet is whole. The blade is drawn. But you lack the second key."
Kael rose, Elara beside him, their hands still intertwined from the night's fragile peace. "Second key?"
"The Tear of the Moon Goddess. A crystal formed from Luna's first sorrow, when she realized the void could never be fully destroyed, only contained." Veyra's staff tapped the ashen ground, and the shadows rippled, forming an image of a cave mouth hidden in the cliffs at the Val
