Miria took a few steps forward, placing herself in front of the group. She looked at them one by one, her heart tight with emotion.
"Listen to me… all of you."
Silence fell immediately.
"We've come a long way together. We've been through trials that few people could have endured. We've lost loved ones… we've doubted… we've cried… and we've also laughed. Together. Every high, every low… you've been there. And me… I never could have gone this far without you."
She took a deep breath.
"Vareck is powerful. He's dangerous. He's destroyed lives… and he plans to destroy more. But he's not invincible. Not against us. Not against what we've become. We're no longer the same people we were at the beginning of all this. We're stronger. More united. And above all… we have something he'll never have: people to fight for. People we love."
She smiled faintly.
"So I'm asking you for only one thing. When we enter this valley… don't look back. Move forward. Together. And no matter what happens… remember that you're not alone."
An emotional silence hung… before being broken by Bryan.
"Well… I just hope we can eat after, because I'm starving."
"Bryan!" several voices exclaimed at the same time.
"What? Morale is important! And morale also goes through the stomach!"
Gale burst out laughing.
"You're truly hopeless."
"That's why you love me," Bryan retorted with a wink.
Alix gave him a shove with her shoulder, amused despite herself.
"You're impossible…"
Diana, arms crossed, added:
"For once, I agree with Bryan. After defeating Vareck, I want a real meal. Not travel rations."
"We have a plan, then," Kira said with a smile. "Defeat Vareck… then a banquet."
"Deal," Eiden answered.
Miria shook her head, a real smile on her lips this time.
"You're all crazy… but that's why I love you."
She straightened up, her gaze determined.
"Come on. It's time."
The group nodded, more united than ever. Together, they set off on the path leading to the Valley of Ashes.
---
On the other side, in the shadow of a massive chair, Vareck remained motionless, eyes closed. Suddenly, he opened them. A malevolent smile stretched across his lips.
"You're finally here…"
He rose slowly, the dark aura intensifying around him.
"Very well.
It's time to end this."