(Mirabel's POV)
Three days after the Author disappeared—
A child knocked on the door.
Not the impossible door beyond eternity.
A different one.
Mine.
I opened it expecting Solomon.
Or Elena.
Or perhaps another delegation from one of the newly connected worlds.
Instead—
A little girl stood on the porch.
She couldn't have been older than eight.
Dark curls.
Bright eyes.
A faded blue sweater.
And absolutely no fear.
She looked up at me.
Smiled.
And asked:
"Is this where the universe lives?"
I blinked.
"What?"
The girl repeated the question.
Patiently.
As if it made perfect sense.
"Is this where the universe lives?"
Behind me, Solomon nearly choked on his tea.
The child noticed him.
Waved enthusiastically.
"Hi."
Solomon waved back automatically.
"Hi."
Then he pau
