The crack in the chain wasn't just a break in light. It was a hole in the universe's logic. A place where "forever" stopped being true.
Metis's eyes didn't just flicker. They focused. They saw the strain on Zeus's face, the white fire in his eyes, the chaotic energy pouring from him like blood. Understanding, sharp and immediate, flashed in her gaze. She didn't speak. She couldn't. But she gave the smallest, most imperceptible nod.
Keep going.
That was all Zeus needed.
He roared, not in pain, but in effort, shoving more of the void into the crack. The black line spread, branching out like dark lightning across the golden chain. The Father's voice boomed again, a tremor of pure rage.
"YOU DEFY THE FUNDAMENTAL LAW."
"I am rewriting it!" Zeus shouted back, his voice raw.
Behind him, the battle reached a fever pitch. Michael, seeing the unthinkable happening, launched himself forward in a blaze of fury. "All forces! On the Gate! He must not break the seal!"
