Chapter 19 - The Ultimate Sacrifice
An blinding explosion of pure white light tore through the subterranean cavern.
The dark core shattered into millions of sparkling fragments. The Void Matriarch let out a final, agonizing scream as her body disintegrated into harmless ash, swept away by the surging sea winds.
However, the destruction of the core triggered a massive collapse. The pillars holding up the palace began to crumble, and huge boulders rained down into the abyss.
"The ceiling is falling!" Julian cried out, shielding his head.
"We have to get out now!" Torren yelled, grabbing Adrian as he emerged from the pit.
As they ran toward the exit, a massive stone pillar collapsed directly above them. Eleanor rushed forward, extending her arms. A golden shield of raw celestial magic flared to life above her sons, holding up thousands of tons of falling rock.
"Mother! Come on!" Adrian screamed, reaching out for her hand.
Eleanor was pale, her wings trembling under the immense weight. She looked at her three sons—standing together, brave, noble, and united.
"You don't need my crown anymore, my children," Eleanor said softly, tears of love filling her eyes. "You have become the leaders I always dreamed you would be."
"No! We are not leaving without you!" Torren roared, trying to push through the barrier.
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With a gentle smile, Eleanor used her remaining magic to blast her three sons backward out of the collapsing hall, pushing them safely into the open courtyard outside.
The palace roof collapsed inward with a terrifying thunderclap, burying the ancient throne room in stone.
