By dawn, the four of them sat together at the edge of the forest, the mist lifting to reveal rolling hills. The fire from the hunters' torches had long since gone out, leaving only smoke and silence.
Seraphina touched the glowing necklace at her throat, her eyes troubled. "I can't go with you," she said softly.
Luna tilted her head, confused. "Why?"
"My curse… it's too dangerous. Wherever I go, hunters will follow. I'll only put you in more danger." She turned to Dorian, who sat quietly beside her. "And I have him. I can't drag him across the world chasing battles that aren't ours."
Dorian reached for her hand and nodded. "We'll find a quiet place. Somewhere no one knows us."
Luna's chest ached. She wanted to say don't leave, but the words caught in her throat.
Adrian studied Seraphina with crimson eyes, then inclined his head. "It takes strength to know your road. May it lead you to peace."
Seraphina's eyes glistened. She stepped forward and pressed something into Luna's cold hand—a tiny charm, carved from stone. "For luck. So you'll remember us."
Luna stared at it, then at her. Slowly, she nodded. "…Friend."
Seraphina smiled through her sadness. "Always."
And so, as the sun broke over the hills, the paths divided: Seraphina and Dorian disappearing into the misty woods, while Luna and Adrian turned toward the unknown horizon.
Two remained, carrying the weight of their promise to keep walking.