Smoke clung to the shattered stones like mourning cloth, the echoes of Vincent’s last stand still pulsing in the air. The fire ring he summoned had scorched the breach shut, sealing the tower from the shadow swarm—for now.
Jack hadn’t moved from the spot where Vincent disappeared. His hand hovered near the barrier’s remains, ash flaking off his fingertips. No words passed between them. None seemed enough.
Angela finally spoke, her voice brittle. “He knew. The fire would consume him. That was the price.”
Jack nodded, jaw clenched so tight it ached. “He paid for it anyway.”
Sarah placed a trembling hand on his shoulder. “We’ll honor him by finishing this. That’s what he wanted.”
Ryan stepped up beside them, still faintly glowing with sapphire flame. “He didn’t just buy time… he gave us
