The first bridge of the Expanse felt different from every path the companions had traveled before.
It did not remain still beneath their feet.
With each step, its shape changed.
Crystal became wood.
Wood became flowing water.
Water transformed into polished stone.
The bridge reflected the travelers rather than the destination.
Rowan laughed softly.
"The Expanse wants to know who we are before it shows us where we're going."
---
Beyond the bridge lay a cluster of floating islands linked by unfinished walkways.
Hundreds of people from different worlds worked side by side.
Architects sketched impossible structures.
Gardeners coaxed glowing vines across empty gaps.
Children carried small stones as proudly as master builders.
No one seemed to command the work.
Everyone simply co
