The darkness came without warning.
Marcus stood on the observation deck, watching the sun set over the desert. The sky was clear, the air still, the world at peace. Then the darkness descended—a blanket of shadow that swallowed the light, the warmth, the hope.
"What is this?" Evelyn's voice was sharp with fear, her hand finding his.
Marcus shook his head, his eyes fixed on the horizon. "I don't know. But I can feel it. It's the Architects. They're making their move."
The First One appeared beside them, its massive body wreathed in ethereal light. "You are right. The Architects have breached the barrier. They are coming for the First Ones."
Marcus felt his blood run cold. "The First Ones are still in their prison."
The First One nodded slowly. "Yes. And the Architects will stop at not
