The seal held for three weeks.
Not perfectly. Not silently. The tear in the fold had healed, but the place where it had been remained thin. Like scar tissue over a wound. And through that thin place, the intruder whispered.
Not words. Feelings. Doubt. Fear. The suspicion that every connection was a lie.
Lyra felt it first as a headache that wouldn't fade. Then as a coldness between her and Solace. Not anger. Distance.
Solace noticed. "You're quiet."
"I'm tired."
"Tired of what?"
"Tired of fighting. Tired of holding things together."
"That's not you."
"Maybe it's the new me."
---
Curio pulsed.
The intruder is speaking. Not to the bridge. To the humans. Through the thin place.
What is it saying? the answer asked.
That connection is weakness. That isolation is strength. That Mor
