Wei stumbled out of the shadow-filled void, his breaths labored as he clutched the soul mirror to his chest. His legs trembled with exhaustion, each step forward feeling heavier than the last. The lingering darkness clung to his thoughts, whispers of Kai's betrayal and the Shadowkeeper's ominous warnings echoing in his mind.
The moon hung high above him, casting a pale light over the deserted alleyway. Mei was waiting at the far end, Lin still unconscious but visibly stirring in her arms. When Mei saw him, her shoulders sagged with relief.
"You're alive," Mei breathed, running toward him. "I thought—"
"I'm fine," Wei cut her off, his voice gruff. He looked her over, noting the scratches on her arms and the dirt smeared on her face. "Are you okay? And Lin?"
