The night passes in fitful preparation.

You sleep little. When you do, the dreams come—the founders’ memories bleeding into yours, showing you fragments of the Binding, of Varek’s betrayal, of the moment everything went wrong.

But also moments of hope. Seraphine’s joy at discovering a new truth. Aldric’s satisfaction when justice was served. Thornwen’s peace in her grove, surrounded by growing things.

They were people, once. People who loved and feared and hoped, just like you. And soon, if everything goes right, they’ll be free.

Dawn comes gray and cold.

Your allies gather in the central chamber, armed and ready. The resistance fighters fill the crypts behind them—hundreds of determined faces, waiting for the signal.

Elder Corvus approaches you one last time.

“There’s something you should know,” he says quietly. “Something I should have told you long ago.”

“What?”

“The night you were born… the night the gem’s light pulsed and you came into the world glowing…” He takes a breath. “Seraphine appeared to me. Not in a vision—in person. As real as you are now. She held you in her arms and whispered something I’ve never forgotten.”

“What did she say?”

“‘This child is our last hope. Guard them. Teach them. And when the time comes, trust them to make the choice we couldn’t.’” Corvus’s eyes are wet. “I’ve watched you grow. I’ve seen the light inside you strengthen. And I believe—I truly believe—that you are exactly what she said you were.”

You don’t know how to respond.

“Whatever happens today,” Corvus continues, “whatever choice you have to make… know that you are not alone. The founders are with you. The city is with you. And I—” his voice breaks “—I am so proud of who you’ve become.”

He embraces you. And for a moment, you let yourself feel the weight of everything that’s led to this moment.

Then you pull back. Square your shoulders. Look at your allies.

“It’s time.”