Night fell slowly over Kareth.
The ancient city glowed like a quiet constellation carved into the mountainside. Blue lights flowed through the streets and along the towering structures as the awakened network stabilized after the battle with the gods.
High above the canyon the defensive shield shimmered faintly against the stars.
Inside the central tower the chamber of the node had transformed.
The circular room now held seventeen glowing projections arranged in a wide ring around the central platform. Each holographic window displayed a different guardian from one of the hidden cities scattered across the world.
The first council of the ancient network had begun.
Azrael stood at the center of the platform with Lyra beside him while Quinn rested quietly in his hand.
The system hover
