(Mirabel's POV)
Something opened its eyes.
Beyond the fracture.
Beyond the horizon.
Beyond the final page.
The effect was immediate.
The city went silent.
Not frightened.
Not shocked.
Silent.
The way a theater falls silent when the audience realizes the story is looking back.
The way a dream falls silent when the dreamer wakes up.
The way reality falls silent when something older than reality begins paying attention.
The fracture stopped growing.
The hand withdrew.
The gentle voice disappeared.
Everything waited.
Watching.
Listening.
The eyes beyond the end remained open.
I couldn't see them.
Not exactly.
My mind refused.
Every attempt to imagine them dissolved instantly.
Yet I knew they were there.
Looking.
At me.
The sensation settled across my shoulders.
Heav
