Marcus opened his eyes to darkness.
For a long moment, he didn't know where he was. His body ached, his mind was foggy, and the silence pressed in from all sides. Then the memories came flooding back—the chamber, the Architects, the explosion.
He was alive.
"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 knelt beside them, his expression relieved. "The central point is destroyed. The Architects are gone."
Marcus nodded slowly, but something felt wrong. The silence was too complete
