Screams from the Abyss

If Humanity

The sun hadn't yet risen over New York City when Jaden found himself walking through Central Park. The early morning mist clung to the grass, refracting the streetlights into a thousand tiny rainbows. It was a sight that would have been impossible before the convergence, but now it was just another reminder of how much their world had changed.

He paused by a park bench, his hand hovering over the weathered wood. For a moment, he considered sitting down, pretending to be just another early morning jogger taking a breather. But the faint shimmer of cosmic energy that danced across his skin betrayed him. He was no longer just Jaden Craig, New Yorker. He was Jaden Craig, Cosmic Architect, shaper of realities.

The weight of that title pressed down on him, heavier than any physical burden.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

The voice startled him, even though he should have sensed her approach. Zoe materialized beside him, her form coalescing from wisps of flame that seemed to draw the mist toward