Kaelen stood at the edge of the crater.
The crystals pulsed around him. Blue light bled into the night sky. The Harvesters pressed against his mind—not with urgency, with resolve.
“The first post-human is gathering its strength. When it attacks, it will be fast. Total. Everyone with an implant will be consumed.”
“How long?”
“Hours. Maybe less.”
Kaelen looked back at Haven. Lights flickered in the windows. People moved in the shadows. Zara stood at the gate, watching him.
He walked to her.
“I'm going.”
“I know.”
“If I don't come back—”
“You'll come back.”
“Zara—”
She grabbed his face. Kissed him. Hard.
“Come back.”
He nodded.
Then he turned and walked into the crater.
---
The crystals surrounded him.
He sat in the center. Cross-legged. The Harvesters flowed through him, co
