"Span."
The air before him rippled, and a furry creature materialized in their midst.
The Eternal Span's large eyes swept over the group with a distinctly unamused look before shifting toward the battlefield.
A faint glint passed through his gaze, not shock, but something closer to recognition, as though he had seen it before, and seeing it up close carried its own weight.
At last, his attention returned to Atticus, his expression flattening once more.
"Why have you summoned me, child?"
"I want information."
"Of course." The Span gave a small nod. "Ask your questions, and quickly. My time is valuable."
"First, where are we?"
"This is the outer reaches of the First Crown. The starting stage for any god ascending into the Crown."
"First Crown… does that mean there are more Crowns?"
"…Limit your questions to the First Crown. The Crown rules forbid otherwise."
Atticus frowned, but gave a small nod.
"Tell me everything about the beasts that just attacked us."
