"The Stone holds him fast," they murmured, more to themselves than to Maya, their voice barely a whisper against the hum of the Nexus. "An unforeseen variable. The mortal bond... it strengthens the anchor point."
Suddenly, the darkened Heart of the Nexus flared violently crimson. The image of the Void within it surged, growing, the hungry shapes thrashing with renewed aggression.
The faint outline of the doorway to Earth flickered wildly, almost extinguished, threatened by the encroaching darkness. A cold dread seeped into Maya, a psychic pressure that felt like the universe itself was pressing down on her.
"NO!" Maya cried, understanding dawning with terrifying clarity. "It senses the unification! It's trying to stop us!"
Her voice was shrill with desperation.
