Elara chose down.
The moment her foot crossed the threshold of the spiraling descent, the realm screamed.
Not in pain in alarm.
The stairs ignited beneath her boots, each step lighting up with a dull, molten glow as if responding to her presence. The air thickened instantly, heavy with pressure and memory, pressing against her chest until every breath burned.
Behind her, the breach tore wider.
Authority flooded the Verge Beyond, cold and merciless. Symbols burned across the sky like brands pressed into flesh, and the Adjudicator’s voice reverberated through every fractured structure.
“Anchor-bearer. Halt.”
Elara didn’t look back.
The bond flared violently, Draven’s presence slamming into her awareness like a second heartbeat.
“Elara, stop,” he gasped through the connection. “Whate
