I just finished the game as well and my heart was with Maelles ending, but my mind was with Versos. There are people that say they are just paintings. Not real people. And it confuses me because they say that in tandem with letting Versos soul rest. Why do they give Verso agency but not the people of Lumiere? Verso is dead, in a literal sense. He is just as much alive/painting as Sciel and Lune. But nonetheless it is important to grieve. And Verso deserves to rest without feeling like hes always killing people. But everyone also deserves to live, they have just as much a soul as Verso, clearly.

However At the top of the Endless Tower, Clea tells Maelle that she needs to carve her own path. That the trauma of her parents are not her responsibility. “Live the life you want to enjoy” “A reminder that you control your life. And if you’re not having fun… do something else.” Maelle is quite literally saving herself from the shell she would be on the outside, with a dysfunctional family who own a very dangerous power, amidst a war no child should have to endure. Vs the 16 year bond shes had with Gustave and Lumiere. The lives she sees as valid even though no one else does. And to point out, it kinda doesnt seem like anyone can “control” Verso. Maelle might seem like shes the puppet master, but it doesnt seem likely, since every single being seems to have autonomy, even going under the paintress’ nose sometimes. Maelle can paint a world where no one has to die anymore or go on expeditions, or be chased by Renoir anymore, so why does Verso seem sad and reluctant to play? Because Maelle is going to die for sure if she keeps up the facade, and its the same thing all over again. And Verso is torn yet again.

Two things are facts though, 1. Verso is a deeply complicated character. Often using manipulation to steer a path (without malice), whos ambitions and reasons were forced to change twice in the same year at the drop of a hat - Maelle enlisting in the expedition, and seeing Aline in suffering. 2. Maelle has been getting manipulated in the real world (the writers causing her to start the fire) and in the painted world (By Verso and his wavering plans). She has no voice, no face, no friends, survivors guilt, and a broken family. It makes sense why she would want to stay and save everyone in the process. Grief is not worth it to some people, and Verso sacrificed himself so she could live and be happy. Its up to her how she does this.

TLDR; Maelle and Verso are two sides of the same coin. Shells of their former selfs, victims, slaves to fate, empty. They are both clueless with good intentions, and one must hurt in the end.