Marcus opened his eyes to the ceiling of the medical bay.
His body ached. His mind was foggy. But he was alive. He could hear the distant hum of the base's generators, the soft murmur of voices in the corridor. He was home.
"Marcus!" Evelyn's voice was desperate, her hands on his face. "Marcus, can you hear me?"
He nodded slowly, his voice weak. "I'm here. I'm still here."
Evelyn collapsed beside him, her arms wrapping around him. "I thought I lost you. I thought you were—"
"I know." Marcus held her close, feeling the warmth of her body. "I'm okay. I'm still here."
Victor stood in the doorway, his expression relieved. "The source of the Void is destroyed. The First One is waiting for you in the war room."
Marcus sat up slowly, his body protesting. "The First One? It's here?"
Victor
