The sun broke over the ruins of the central district, washing the shattered skyline in cold, pale gold. Smoke drifted upward in thin ribbons, disappearing into the morning air as emergency sirens wailed in the distance. The world felt quieter — heavy, fragile, as if holding its breath after the storm.
Daniel stepped out of the underground chamber first, blinking against the sudden brightness. His body felt like it wasn’t his; every muscle ached, every breath burned. But he was standing. Alive. And the Architect was gone.
Adrian followed him out, supporting Natalie, whose knees were still weak from the energy backlash in the last explosion. Her hands shook, but she didn’t let go of Daniel’s arm.
“Never thought I’d be happy to see sunlight again,” Adrian muttered, squinting at the orange-
