"We must honor Sir Malachar's memory," Thorne Darkwood says solemnly, his gaze fixed on the Rift. "But we cannot allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by emotion. We must analyze the situation and devise a new strategy."

Thorne's words cut through the chaos of battle, reminding you and your companions of the need for clarity and focus in the face of adversity.

"You're right, Thorne," you say, steeling yourself against the despair threatening to overwhelm you. "We cannot afford to let grief cloud our judgment. We must honor Sir Malachar's sacrifice by finding a way to close the Rift and save Ethrion."

With renewed determination, you and your companions fall back, creating a defensive perimeter to hold off the demonic horde while you regroup and reassess the situation. Thorne's keen senses and strategic insight prove invaluable as you analyze the demon's strengths and weaknesses, searching for a weakness to exploit.

As the battle rages on around you, you and your companions work tirelessly to devise a new plan of attack. Aria's knowledge of arcane lore provides invaluable insights into the nature of the demon and its connection to the Rift, while Thorne Darkwood uses his scouting prowess and agility to gather crucial intelligence on the enemy's movements.

Meanwhile, Raven Nightshade uses her shadowy magic to cloak your movements, concealing your presence from the demon's watchful gaze. With her help, you're able to slip past the demon's defenses and reach the heart of the Rift, where its power is strongest.

With the demon momentarily distracted by your diversion, you and your companions focus all your efforts on finding a way to close the Rift once and for all. Aria's expertise in ancient rituals proves instrumental as you perform a powerful incantation, channeling your combined magic into the very fabric of reality.

For a moment, it seems as though your efforts might succeed. The air crackles with energy as the Rift begins to shudder and groan, dark tendrils writhing and twisting as they struggle against your combined might. And then, with a final surge of power, the Rift collapses in on itself, sealing off the demonic horde and saving Ethrion from certain doom.

But as the Rift collapses, a sudden explosion of dark energy engulfs Aria Shadowweaver and Thorne Darkwood, their bodies consumed by the darkness. You watch in horror as they fall, their sacrifices ensuring the safety of Ethrion but at the cost of their own lives.

As the dust settles and the echoes of battle fade, you and your remaining companions stand amidst the ruins of the Rift, mourning the loss of your fallen comrades. Their sacrifices will not be forgotten, and you vow to honor their memories as you continue your journey to defend Ethrion from the forces of darkness.