Something opened its eyes.
Across the universe—
stars flickered.
Galaxies shifted.
Ancient worlds buried beneath forgotten suns trembled.
And deep within places no mortal had ever seen, impossible machines began moving for the first time in billions of years.
The awakening spread.
Silent.
Inevitable.
Like a ripple moving across creation itself.
Denise felt it immediately.
A presence.
Not hostile.
Not kind.
Simply vast.
So vast that even the Devourer seemed small beside it.
The bond tightened.
Silver and gold light spiraled around her and Liam.
Protecting them.
Preparing them.
The giant creature lowered its head.
Its massive body shaking.
“No…”
The word escaped in a whisper.
The oldest elder stared.
“What is it?”
The creature looked toward the stars.
Tears shining
