Chapter 16: A New Dawn

Back at the rebel camp, Elara and Kade were hailed as heroes. The stolen data included not only blueprints of Solis Prime but also classified information on the Ascendants' weaknesses and the specific structure of their power grid. This was everything the rebels needed to cripple the Ascendant rule.

Raya gathered everyone in the main chamber that evening. "The Ascendants have ruled us long enough. With this data, we have a chance to bring them to their knees and reclaim our world."

A chorus of murmurs filled the room. The rebels had lost friends and family, and for some, the fight had gone on for generations. Now, they had one last mission: to destroy Solis Prime's power grid and bring the Ascendants' city crashing to the ground.

Elara could feel the weight of the task before them. This was no ordinary raid—it was an assault on everything the Ascendants had built. If they succeeded, it would mean freedom, but if they failed, they might be wiping out the last hope for the Echoes.

That night, as she prepared for the final battle, Kade found her sitting by herself, staring at the stars for what might be the last time. He sat beside her, silent for a moment before speaking.

"We might not come back from this," he said quietly.

Elara nodded. "I know. But we have to try. For everyone who's suffered because of them."

Kade reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. "Whatever happens, I'm glad we fought together."

They shared a lingering look, knowing that the dawn would bring either victory or destruction.