Screams from the Abyss

Gathering Shadows

The Nexus hummed with nervous energy as Aria and Koda materialized in the central chamber. Nalia was there to greet them, her face a mixture of relief and concern. She pulled Aria into a tight embrace before stepping back to assess them both.

"You look exhausted," she said, her eyes scanning Aria for any signs of injury. "But intact. That's something, at least."

Aria managed a weak smile. "It was... intense. But we did it. The world is stable, the fracture sealed."

Koda nodded in agreement. "It was unlike anything I've ever seen. The level of reality distortion... it's not something we can afford to let happen again."

Nalia's expression grew grim. "I'm afraid that might be easier said than done. Come, the others are waiting. We need to discuss what you've learned."

They followed Nalia to a smaller chamber off the main hall. Inside, Zephyr and Lyra were already seated around a circular table, its surface alive with holographic displays of various worlds and data streams.

As they took t