### Chapter Twenty-One: A Costly Sacrifice

### Chapter Twenty-One: A Costly Sacrifice

The tension in the air had shifted dramatically since Selene had infiltrated the cult. The group had spent the past few days anxiously awaiting news, each of them focused on their individual training while the shadows of uncertainty loomed ever larger.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the library, a sudden commotion outside shattered the fragile peace. Alexios, Callista, Lysander, and Niko rushed to the doors, hearts pounding in unison. 

"Selene!" Alexios shouted into the gathering dusk, desperation lacing his voice. "Is that you?"

But there was only silence, heavy and foreboding. Just as the first stars began to twinkle overhead, a figure stumbled through the entrance, collapsing to the floor. It was Lysander, his face pale and eyes wide with horror.

"Lysander!" Callista cried, rushing to his side. "What happened?"

"They… they found us," he gasped, his voice strained. "Selene… she fought them off, but they had a—"

Before he could finish, a sharp, anguished scream echoed from the shadows outside, freezing them in place. The sound was filled with a pain that resonated deep within their hearts. 

"No!" Niko exclaimed, dread pooling in his stomach. "What did they do?"

Lysander struggled to catch his breath, tears spilling down his cheeks. "She sacrificed herself… to save us. She held them off, but… it was too late."

The group was silent, shock rendering them motionless. The reality of what they had lost began to sink in, a heavy weight pressing against their chests. 

Suddenly, a rustle echoed through the doorway, and Selene's lifeless body was carried in by two cloaked cult members, their expressions cold and triumphant. The Heart of Thalassa, still glowing faintly, flickered in the darkness, as if mourning her loss.

"Fools," one of the cult members sneered, dropping her body at their feet. "She thought she could protect you. But look where that got her."

The group recoiled, grief washing over them in waves. Callista fell to her knees beside Selene, cradling her head in her hands, tears streaming down her face. "No… no, this can't be real. Selene!"

Lysander, still kneeling, clenched his fists, his heart breaking. "She didn't have to do this! We could have saved her!"

As the reality of Selene's sacrifice sank in, Alexios felt anger flare within him. "Get out!" he shouted at the cult members. "You won't get away with this!"

The cult members laughed mockingly, their figures cloaked in darkness. "She was weak. Weakness is a liability. Remember this moment, heroes, for it will be the last you see of her."

As they retreated, the group gathered around Selene, their hearts heavy with loss. 

### Status Windows

**Alexios:**

- **Level:** 10

- **Strength:** 60

- **Endurance:** 55

- **Intelligence:** 45

- **Magic:** 30

**Callista:**

- **Level:** 9

- **Strength:** 35

- **Endurance:** 40

- **Intelligence:** 70

- **Magic:** 50

**Niko:**

- **Level:** 10

- **Strength:** 50

- **Endurance:** 45

- **Intelligence:** 40

- **Magic:** 25

**Lysander:**

- **Level:** 9

- **Strength:** 55

- **Endurance:** 50

- **Intelligence:** 30

- **Magic:** 35

### * * *

As they gathered around Selene's body, the atmosphere felt heavy with sorrow. Each of them reflected on the impact she had made in such a short time, her laughter echoing in their minds, a memory that would haunt them forever.

"Why did she have to go in alone?" Niko whispered, his voice choked with grief. "We could have fought together."

"She believed in us," Alexios said quietly, his heart breaking. "She thought we had a chance. And she was right. But we have to honor her sacrifice."

Callista looked up, her face streaked with tears. "We can't let her death be in vain. We have to fight back—fight for her, for what she stood for."

"We will make them pay," Lysander said, his voice low and filled with rage. "They will regret taking her from us."

With determination hardening their resolve, they began to discuss their next steps. The loss of Selene was a wound that would take time to heal, but in that moment, they knew they had to channel their grief into action.

They would confront the cult, not just to seek revenge but to protect those who could not protect themselves. They had become a family in their struggles, and Selene's spirit would guide them as they faced the darkness ahead.

As they prepared to honor her memory, Alexios felt a flicker of strength igniting within him. They would stand together, united by their bonds, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. For Selene, and for each other.