Jared and Flaxseed exchanged a final look, a shared spark of iron-coated resolve, then bowed to those they left behind. “Take care, everyone,” they said in unison. “Our journey begins now!”

Lyra kept gaze fixed on Jared. Liquid light pooled against lashes, and lips trembled with words could scarcely breathe. “Mr. Chance, promise me… Come back to me alive. Come back whole…”

Jared met the shimmer in eyes, and the iron inside melted for a heartbeat. He offered the smallest, quietest smile. “Wait for me.”

Spiritual energy surged around them in a sudden golden bloom. A single step became a flight as Sky Walk carried them upward. Two streaks of light, one silver, one amber, shot across the vault of morning like twin comets seeking the horizon.

Their silhouettes dwindled against the clouds, and only then did Lyra let the tears fall. She brushed a sleeve across cheeks, breathing hard against the ache.

Train, Lyra… Grow stronger. When Mr. Chance returns, meet without regret…

Behind her, Corin, Ararat, and Kishor stood shoulder to shoulder, their faces carved from storm-dark stone while the last echoes of flight faded into silence.