The moment Aethern was named, something far away reacted.
Not violently.
Knowingly.
felt it before Aethern spoke.
A pressure not power, not intent recognition.
Someone heard Aethern said.
Nyx straightened Heard what.
My name.
That shouldn't have been possible.
Names of foundational existences weren't information.
They were permissions.
Space folded politely.
A figure appeared featureless, unfinished, like a concept paused mid thought.
I wondered when you'd choose one it said calmly.
Aethern.
Selene's breath caught It said it so easily
Aeris scanned it No hostility. No power output. No narrative role.
Vorin frowned. "Then what are you.
The thing looked at Kael.
A reader.
For the first time, Aethern stepped forward on its own.
Roots did not follow.
I exist Aethern said evenly.
You observe.
The Reader smiled And now you're aware.
Kael took one step forward.
That's enough.
The Reader faded retreating, not fleeing.
Before vanishing, it spoke one last time:
Stories change when trees learn their names.
Silence returned.
Aethern looked at Kael.
Was that dangerous.
I shook my head.
No I said.
But it means we're no longer unnoticed.
Aethern nodded.
Then we'll grow carefully.
And the roots spread just a little more