"Damien," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Please, you have to wake up."

His eyelids fluttered, his breathing shallow and labored. "E-Elara..."

She brushed a lock of soot-stained hair from his brow, her touch achingly gentle. "I'm here, my love. I'm here."

Damien's eyes focused on her, their usual brilliance dimmed by pain and weariness. "You...have to leave this place. It's not safe."

"Not without you," Elara insisted, her grip on him tightening. "I won't leave you behind, not again."

A weak smile tugged at Damien's bloodied lips. "Always so stubborn."

"You know me too well," she murmured, managing a watery laugh through her tears.

The sound of approaching footsteps shattered...