However long the road back from this crucible, they had taken the first step.
The light ahead seemed blinding now, but they would follow it home hand in hand.
And if shadowed thresholds awaited along that path, they would descend into darkness together once more without hesitation.
For they knew now no flame could extinguish their shared light when standing as one against demise's abyssal tide.
Now they were out.
But what's next?
...
Ezra slowly sat up, groaning as his muscles protested.
He felt like he had been hit by a truck after their harrowing escape from the abyss. Aurora and Korig looked just as exhausted, covered in dirt and grime.
"We made it," Korig said hoarsely, attempting to smile but only managing a pained grimace.
"Barely," Aurora replied. She gingerly rubbed her shoulder where one of the abyssal creatures had raked its claws across.
"I can't believe we survived that."
