The sun bled out behind the mountain, and the world went black.
Elias stood at the mouth of the temple, watching the last sliver of light vanish. The children were inside, seated in a circle around the stone altar. Their eyes were closed, their hands linked, their breathing synchronized. The Guardian stood at the chamber's center, its silver form glowing faintly. The air inside was thick with power, and the network in Elias's mind felt like a stretched wire, vibrating with tension.
"Are you ready?" the Guardian asked, not turning.
Elias swallowed. "As ready as I'll ever be."
He stepped into the chamber and took his place at the edge of the circle. Ava was there, her medical kit laid out, though what good bandages would do against a psychic attack, he didn't know. Jesus stood by the ent
