The earth did not open with fire.
It swallowed.
Ethan stood at the mouth of the chasm known in old maps as the Deep Cradle — a scar in the continent that spiraled downward beyond visible light. No vegetation grew near it. No animals approached. Even wind avoided crossing its lip.
The System pulsed.
[Subterranean Domain Confirmed]
[Designation: Deep Cradle]
[Status: Dormant — Pressurized]
[Depth: Unmeasurable]
Kaelith stood beside him, unusually quiet.
"You're certain about splitting?"
"Yes."
Above, lightning flickered faintly where the Tempest Sovereign had already ascended toward the aerial rift. Ember-gold heat shimmered across distant southern horizons where the Ember Sovereign descended into magma veins.
They were moving fast.
They had to.
Kaelith's voice lowered.
"If he pushes again—"
"He'll push where we're weakest."
She stepped closer.
"Which is?"
Ethan looked down into the abyss.
"Here."
Then he stepped off the edge.
Darkness swallowed him.
