Kalestiya's eyes remained half-closed, the flicker of life barely visible beneath her pale lids. Yet, as the N'Jal shard was pressed against her injury, a subtle shift occurred. The sharp, ragged breaths that had been escaping her began to ease into a gentler rhythm. The tension in the air seemed to soften, carrying with it a glimmer of hope.

Nosdyn's hands, now marked by a blend of his own black blood and Kalestiya's crimson, clung firmly to her fragile form. The shard echoed with the fading cries of N'Jal's power, reluctant to merge with Kalestiya's flesh. Nonetheless, the magic persisted, threading its way through her wounds. At times, a flicker of pain would momentarily contort Kalestiya's face, as if an unseen skirmish raged within her.

As time trickled by, her breathing became steadier, less strained. The Undead Lilly, Tharak, and Nosdyn shared a collective sigh of relief. The cavern, once filled with echoes of battle, now resonated with the quiet intensity of the moment. Nosdyn could only wait, hoping that his desperate act would be the key to saving Kalestiya.

...

Kalestiya blinked and gradually became aware of her surroundings, finding herself cradled in her friend's arms. "What happened?" she inquired, her voice filled with confusion. Her eyes fluttered, adjusting to the environment, as her vitality began to return to her.