Aiden stood on the balcony of the central spire, arms crossed, watching the city below. Overnight, the Aether surge from the First Flame Vault had done its work. Crystal vines snaked up building walls, glowing with soft blue light.
Ancient relays hummed to life in the outer districts. In the main square, a new garden had sprouted, its branches forming living maps that projected whatever the people nearby wanted most.
Right now it showed endless loaves of bread floating in the air, along with a few dream pets that looked like oversized lizards.
"Chaos," Aiden muttered. But useful chaos.
Catherine stepped up beside him, tablet in hand. "The Bloom Census teams are already out. Half the officials are arguing over who catalogs the bread plaza and who handles the war-beast reports from the border."
Aiden glanced at her. Catherine had her hair tied back, practical as always. "Send Sabrina to the border. She'll enjoy it."
