Mia's pov

The room fell silent as Elsie’s faint voice echoed. Madriod froze, his breath hitching.

“Elsie?” he whispered, his hand trembling as it finally rested on hers.

Her fingers twitched again, stronger this time. Her eyelids fluttered, and for a brief moment, her lips moved, but no sound came out.

“Keep talking to her!” I yelled, the strain of holding the connection burning through my veins.

Madriod leaned closer, his voice trembling but steady. “I’m here, Elsie. You’re safe. You don’t have to fight alone anymore. Just come back.”

The symbols on the floor flared brighter, the hum growing into a deafening roar. The energy in the room felt...