The pressure in the room reached an unnatural limit.
The air trembled.
The floor creaked.
Every metal surface reflected clashing blue lights from the remaining systems, and darkness from something trying to force its way in.
Richard Blackwood stood at the edge of the circle.
His hands raised.
Energy from the gate coursed through his body.
Invisible.
But tangible.
Every muscle fiber tensed.
Every breath grew heavier.
Beside him
the child remained connected.
The cables attached to their body pulsed rapidly, like a heart forced to beat faster than its limit.
Daniel stood a few steps behind.
His eyes never left the screens of his device.
Numbers flashed.
Graphs writhed wildly.
"We're about to lose stability!" he shouted.
Leonard Graves guarded the rear.
His weapon aimed down the corridor.
But his focus was split.
Half on the unseen threat.
Half on what was happening before them.
"How much longer?!" he yelled.
The child did not answer.
Their body shook violently.
