"And what exactly do you think I brought you, besides your imminent end?" Atlas stepped forward, golden energy crackling around his fists.
Mercer's laughter echoed through the vast chamber, distorted by the void energy consuming him. His form rippled between states—sometimes almost human, other times a churning mass of shadows with eyes like black holes.
"You brought me the perfect catalyst." Mercer gestured toward Sarah. "A newly-bonded light-bearer with quantum understanding. The final piece."
The chamber sprawled beneath Times Square, its curved walls carved with symbols that predated human civilization. Seven void-touched figures channeled darkness into a swirling portal that grew with each passing second. Above, they could feel the vibrations of the city—millions of people going ab
