The silence in the chamber following Luke's declaration was suffocating. Each heartbeat echoed in their ears, like the rhythmic pounding of a distant war drum. Lila stood frozen, her lips parted as if to protest, but no sound came out. Ava's eyes shimmered with unshed tears, her hands clenched tightly at her sides. Jake's jaw was set, his usually mischievous eyes stormy with conflict.
"Luke," Lila finally managed, her voice breaking with emotion. "You can't do this. We've fought too hard to leave anyone behind."
Luke turned to her, a soft, understanding smile on his face. The pendant in his hand glowed gently, casting shadows across his determined features. "Lila, we promised to do whatever it took to see this through. This is my part. You need to go and live your lives, carry on what we've started. The world outside needs all of you."
