"Marius sacrificed himself to save us all," Atlas said, his voice hollow as he helped Anola to her feet. "He's gone."
Anola's face crumpled. Despite everything she'd done, her grief appeared genuine. "I never wanted this. Mercer promised a new world, not... destruction."
"That's how the void operates," Cassius replied coldly, still aiming his weapon at her. "Promises built on half-truths that conceal total annihilation."
The chamber beneath Times Square continued to stabilize, reality thickening as the crystal network pulsed with residual golden energy. Above them, New Year's celebrations carried on, the crowds completely unaware of how close they'd come to oblivion.
"We need to secure this site," Elise said, scanning the perimeter with golden-tinged eyes. "There could be more void-tou
