The crack was not a shimmer. It was a wound.
It stood in the center of the abandoned textile factory. It was doorway sized. Dark energy pulsed from the edges. It smelled like burnt sugar and rust.
Kaito stood ten meters away. His jacket was open. Five cards glowed in his hand.
Kuro said: "This is not a Drifter."
Kaito said: "I know."
Kuro said: "It is Marked. High tier."
Kaito said: "Five cards."
Kuro said: "Make them count."
Kaito threw the cards. They landed in a semicircle. Light erupted.
Fenrir materialized first. He was massive. White fur stained with shadow. He growled. The sound shook the dust from the ceiling.
Raikou appeared next. He was lightning contained in human shape. He crackled. The air ionized.
Luna stepped from a puddle. She was calm. Her kimono flowed like water. She raised a hand. The humidity spiked.
Orion nocked an arrow. He did not speak. He aimed at the center of the crack.
