The sky did not close immediately.
It resisted.
The crack pulsed, like a living creature unwilling to lose its path. Energy from both the structure and the anomaly rubbed against each other inside it, creating ever-shifting pressure.
Aurelia stood directly beneath the center of the rift.
Her hand was raised.
The light around her no longer merely flowed.
It layered.
Spun.
Formed a large circle that slowly rose toward the crack.
"Maintain the rhythm!"
Kael's voice rang out sharply.
He stood on the right side, his hands moving to form complex patterns in the air. Invisible lines began to take shape, creating a supporting framework around the rift.
Orion on the left.
Silent.
Yet the space around him changed drastically.
Pressure was locked in place.
The direction of energy was restricted.
As if the entire world held its breath to keep from falling apart.
Ragnar.
For the first time, he did not attack.
He stood slightly behind Aurelia.
Energy gathered in his body.
