The world narrowed to a single point.
The crack in the earth pulsed like a living heart, black energy spilling from it in violent waves. The roar beneath it grew louder—closer—something massive pressing against the thin veil separating it from their world.
And Elara walked straight toward it.
"ELARA!"
Draven's voice tore through the chaos, raw and desperate. But she didn't stop.
Couldn't.
Because now that she stood this close—
She understood.
This wasn't just a gate.
It was a wound.
And it was feeding.
On fear.
On death.
On power.
On her.
The silver light around her flickered in response, drawn toward the crack like it recognized something inside it.
Her brother watched silently from behind, his crimson eyes glowing—not with triumph this time, but with anticipation.
"Careful, little sister," he called, his voice smooth but edged with something darker. "You don't know what you're stepping into."
Elara didn't look back.
"I know enough."
