The others followed him deeper into the hall, where a set of stairs spiraled down into the heart of the fortress. Myne walked beside him, her sharp eyes scanning their surroundings for any lingering threats. Nexus, though quiet, radiated a mix of pride and relief. Behind them, the rest of the group remained vigilant, ready for anything.
"I'll admit," Myne said, breaking the silence, "I wasn't sure you could pull that off. That wasn't just a fight—it was a test of your soul. You could've been consumed."
Aiden didn't look at her, his gaze focused ahead. "I didn't have a choice. If I hesitated, I'd have lost more than just the fight."
"You've changed," she replied softly, her tone laced with something almost like admiration.
