Back at the academy, a recovery team greeted them. Professors, medics, and drones swarmed around the group. Rourke paced as reports came in. Mira was still shaky, Leon half-asleep, and Kyel silent.
Zian barely spoke during the debrief. Her thoughts were a storm.
Later, in the academy infirmary, she stared at the ceiling.
"I was there… I saw the other angels. I fought them. Why can't I remember it all?"
Outside, Kaen stood silently under the moonlight. Behind him, a figure materialized—it was Professor Drayven. His body shimmered for a moment before dissolving into sludge and crawling back into Kaen's shadow.
"They're waking up," Kaen whispered. "And so is she."
He looked to the stars, expression unreadable. "The game has finally begun."