I never thought I’d survive the night Vale burned. But here we are—me, Jenna, and the others—racing toward a destiny none of us asked for.

We’ve been traveling for weeks now. After escaping the Sol Sanctum, after watching our homes crumble, we’ve fought monsters, scaled mountains, and unlocked powers we barely understand. And through it all, Jenna’s been… different.

Last night, by the campfire near Bilibin, she sat closer than usual. Her shoulder brushed mine as she handed me a cup of tea. 'You always take watch first,' she said. 'Don’t you ever want someone to protect you?'

I didn’t know how to answer. I still don’t.

Now, as we stand at the edge of the Mars Lighthouse, wind howling around us, she turns to me. Her eyes—amber like flame—hold something I can’t name.

'Whatever happens in there,' she says, voice low, 'promise me you’ll come back. Not just as the hero. As… you.'

My chest tightens. I reach for her hand. 'I promise. But only if you do the same.'

She squeezes my fingers—just once—before pulling away. 'Then let’s end this.'

Ahead, the beacon pulses red. Inside waits fire, fate, and the truth we’ve both been avoiding.