The moon hung low over the Cursed Zone, its pale light stained by drifting shadows. In the heart of that darkness, Kandiaru stood before his followers, the Sundering Hand. The Architect's voice was soft, but it carried the weight of prophecy.
"Tonight, fracture begins anew."
Veyrith the Shattered stepped forward, her fractured Soul Eye glinting. She placed her palm upon a shard of Heartshale, focusing her seismic power. All across Veylaris, the earth began to tremble—subtle at first, then growing in strength, cracks spidering through the streets leading toward the Emerald Spire.
At the same time, Maris Lune whispered forbidden words over a tidepool in Aquarion. The water darkened, swirling with ink and memory. Dreams in the city turned to nightmares; healers woke to find their wards writhing with shadowy forms. Lysera felt it in her bones—a rush of dread, a warning in the blood.
Solenn Ashwing, unseen, slipped through the winds of Sylphaera, scattering seeds of unrest and whispers of conspiracy among the Sky Clans. Caelum Voss, his chain aflame, forged new weapons in the deep, preparing for open war.
In the waking world, Kaelen jolted upright as the earth shook. Ryn burst into his room. "The Spire! There's been an attack!"
Kaelen grabbed his blade, the mark on his wrist burning with urgency. "It's them. The Sundering Hand."
Across the sea, Lysera was pulled from sleep by a scream. Selara rushed into her chamber, eyes wide with terror. "Something's wrong with the water. It's… alive."
Lysera's staff glowed, the vines pulsing with light. She reached for Kaelen in the Inner Domain, their minds meeting through panic and resolve. "They've started. We have to fight back."
The Sundering Hand watched from afar as chaos bloomed in the Realms. Kandiaru smiled, the Architect's patience finally giving way to action. The game had truly begun.