Chapter 20: A New Beginning

The days that followed were a mixture of celebration and mourning. The Ascendants' rule had ended, but the cost was staggering. The rebel camp held a quiet ceremony for those they had lost, each name spoken with reverence. When Kade's name was called, Elara felt a pang of pain so deep it was as though she'd lost a piece of herself.

As the Echoes moved into what was left of Solis Prime, they began rebuilding, but this time, as equals. For the first time in generations, they felt the warmth of sunlight on their faces, free from the shadows of the Ascendants' rule.

Raya found Elara by the edge of the city, staring out over the ruins. "He'd be proud, you know," she said quietly.

Elara nodded, swallowing back tears. "We couldn't have done it without him."

Raya placed a hand on her shoulder. "You should lead them, Elara. You've shown them courage and hope. They'll follow you."

Elara looked at the survivors—people who, like her, had lived in darkness and fear their entire lives. For the first time, she felt the weight of responsibility, but also a glimmer of hope.

She took a deep breath and stepped forward, ready to help guide her people into a new dawn.