Above the Core world, the sky tore open with thunder. Three Council dreadnoughts emerged from foldspace, weapons hot, sensors locked on Titan's position.
Lira's voice crackled through the comms. "They were watching. They know what happened."
Kaela cursed. "Of course they do. That blast? They must've felt it across half the sector."
Titan stood silently on the platform above the ruins, the wind swirling around him. The glow in his eyes was steady now—calm, but immense.
"They're afraid," he said. "They think I'm a weapon they can't control."
Merek scrambled across the console. "We've got thirty seconds before impact. We can't hold this position!"
Titan turned to them. "Get to the ship. I'll draw their fire."
Kaela grabbed his shoulder. "No. Not this time."
He met her gaze—grateful, but resolute. "You believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. Let me show them what that belief can do."
As the first plasma salvo rained down from orbit, Titan stepped forward.
He raised his hand—and caught the blast midair.
Energy rippled out from him, forming a radiant shield over the entire ruin site. The light was not just Voidborn darkness, nor Vaelari flame—it was something new. Something human.
The dreadnoughts hesitated.
And for the first time in generations, the Council felt fear.