“I’ll do it,” you say.

The words feel too small for what they mean. But they’re the only ones you have.

Seraphine’s form brightens.

I know you will. I’ve watched gem-born children come and go for three centuries. Some were brave. Some were clever. Some were powerful beyond measure.

None of them were you.

She turns to the altar, touching the crystal shard that anchors her presence.

When you find the relics, bring them here. This shrine will amplify their power. And when you’re ready to face Varek…

I’ll be with you. We all will. Aldric’s guilt. Thornwen’s grace. And whatever remains of me.

The shard pulses once, twice, three times.

Go now. Dawn is breaking. The world above is waiting for you to save it.

Her form begins to fade.

One more thing.

“Yes?”

Don’t trust the Elder. He means well, but he’s been compromised. Varek’s influence runs deep in Eldermoor. Trust your ally. Trust yourself. And when in doubt…

Her final words echo as she disappears.

Trust the gem. It chose you for a reason.

The shrine is empty. The crystal shard still floats above the altar, but its light is dim now. Dormant.

Your ally helps you stand.

“That was…” They shake their head. “I don’t have words for what that was.”

“Neither do I.”

You climb the stairs together. The grate opens easily. You emerge into the town square as the first light of dawn touches the Purple Gem.

The city is stirring. Citizens beginning their day, unaware of the darkness that threatens to swallow them. The founders’ statues stand where they’ve always stood, their stone faces hiding the truth of what lies beneath.

You look up at the gem.

Its light is weak. Flickering. But as you watch, it pulses—just once—and you swear you feel Seraphine’s presence.

Go. Find the relics. Save what we died to protect.

You turn to your ally.

“The Ashen Wastes. Goldport. The Thornwood.” You take a breath. “We have work to do.”

Behind you, the gem pulses again.

Ahead of you, the road stretches toward the unknown.

Act 1 ends.