Anna closed the exchange gate before the filament reached its edge.
The branch supporting the Orchard platform remained visible for several seconds as the opening narrowed. Pale wood split along its center. A jointed strand pushed through the crack and extended toward Sanctuary.
The gate vanished before it crossed.
Sanctuary's receiving room became an ordinary sealed chamber. Veyrath, the elite team, Dagar's soldiers, Merrit's technicians, and the Last Orchard remained on the other side.
Max confirmed the closure through the core. No foreign object had entered Sanctuary. The receiving barriers detected no residue, and the stone surrounding the former opening remained unchanged.
Anna did not reopen the gate.
"The field group still has communication." she said.
Veyrath reported thirty seconds later.
