The sky above Solaris fractured like glass.
Darkness spilled from the rift in endless waves, swallowing the stars and turning day into twilight.
Every Sentinel in the city entered battle formation.
Their weapons ignited with golden light.
The streets trembled beneath their synchronized march.
Aria stood at the center of the Grand Plaza, staring upward.
For the first time, she felt something unfamiliar.
Not fear.
Dread.
Whatever existed beyond the rift was older than any kingdom she had discovered.
Older than Auroria.
Older than Solaris.
Even Orion seemed shaken.
"It shouldn't be awake."
Kael stepped beside Aria.
"Can it be stopped?"
The old Keeper remained silent for several moments.
Finally, he answered.
"Perhaps."
Nobody liked that answer.
The rift expanded further.
