They made camp at the edge of the crater while Lira prepared. Hallis remained on the dome step, neither helping nor hindering, a translucent witness. The rest of the party divided tasks with the ease of long practice. Sera and Ysara set a perimeter. Kael and Tallen checked every crystal surface within twenty paces for fresh constructs. Nima and Sela documented the murals. Cal updated the slate with the new official category “Storage Wound – Under Negotiation.”
At dusk Lira walked alone to the dome. Hallis rose and stepped aside without being asked. The lens met the crystal surface. The spiral scars along Lira’s arms and throat flared into full silver.
The Blight’s attention focused.
It did not speak in words. It simply presented the weight of everything it kept—an overwhelming, perfect
