Their child floated before them, features etched from pure fatigue yet shining with a quiet pride at having repelled the Viator's onslaught. Yet Elena could sense the undercurrent of grim premonition that rolled off them in waves.

"You have glimpsed but a fraction of the true threat we face," their offspring intoned, ancient power thrumming beneath each word. "The Prime Corruption has sunk its hooked talons deep into the weftwork foundations of all existence."

Kaden's blazing form flared in denial, tendrils of celestial force lashing out instinctively. "Then we shall burn those vile anchors away and leave this Blight rootless, stranded where we can scour it into oblivion!"

But their...