The Devourer was afraid.
The realization struck everyone at the same time.
For one hundred and fifty-two chapters, the ancient entity had seemed untouchable.
Unstoppable.
Eternal.
It had mocked them.
Manipulated them.
Watched entire worlds perish without concern.
Yet now—
Fear flickered in its crimson eyes.
Only for a moment.
Only briefly.
But it was there.
And everyone had seen it.
The golden light beyond the Rift continued growing brighter.
Closer.
Stronger.
The frozen galaxies of the Graveyard of Worlds reflected its radiance.
For the first time, something other than darkness illuminated that terrible place.
The Devourer's voice thundered through the chamber.
"Impossible."
The word carried genuine disbelief.
Nyxar laughed.
A harsh, exhausted laugh.
"That's exactly what we thought."
The former guardian's eyes never left the Rift.
"The day he left."
Emily stepped forward.
Her inheritance reacted strangely.
