---
That night, Dabi sat alone in his room, staring at the ornate locket Tessa had given him.
Inside was a miniature portrait of his parents, their faces filled with love and hope.
He thought about everything he had learned that day the truth about Kora, the royal family's conflict, and the looming threat of Kael.
For years, he had carried the weight of protecting his siblings on his own.
Now, that weight felt both heavier and lighter. He wasn't sure if he could fully trust Tessa or the royal family, but he knew one thing for certain:
He would do whatever it took to protect Eli and Mira.
As he closed the locket and placed it on his bedside table, a sense of determination settled over him.
The road ahead would be difficult, but he was ready to face it.
For his family. For the truth.
And for the future he was determined to build.
The living room was unusually quiet, save for the faint crackle of the fireplace.
