The silver pulse of the Pylon Gateway faded behind them, a faint shimmer of electricity sealing off the Hollow Stacks like a memory pushed too deep to reach.
Now in the luminous heart of Skyglass Heights, the world felt quieter, but it wasn't peace. It was sterilized silence, the kind that felt bought. Enforcers, trucks, and Aerial Vessel buzzed around everywhere.
Beast Masters could be seen in the far distance.
News crews covering the raised Gateway on the other side.
Damian and Serena passed by all of this.
Damian pulled out his phone, its black screen catching the light of floating shuttles above. With Kitsuul curled lightly around his neck, and Serena silently watching the crystal spires and busy crystal streets tower over them, he made the call.
It rang once.
Twice.
Then…
"Therion?"
Lyra's voice, laced with worry and warmth, greeted him across the line, as if she was shocked he would even call.
