The pressure intensified.
Not from the stratified world.
Not from within the Convergence Node.
From above.
Not spatially above—not something descending through atmosphere or bending light—but conceptually higher. A layer beyond sovereignty. A stratum above systems and their rulers.
Ethan felt it as distortion in probability flow.
It began subtly.
Predictive projections skewed by 0.3%.
Then 0.7%.
Then stabilized.
Not error.
Intervention.
Tiny inconsistencies rippled through the System's forecast trees—scenario branches that should have held steady flickering, recalculating, compressing.
Something had touched the experiment.
Kaelith sensed it seconds later, her shadowflame tightening like a drawn blade.
"The watchers."
"Yes."
Across 3.2 light-years, the stratified world paused mid-expansion.
All five of its sovereign cores dimmed slightly.
Not weakened.
Restricted.
The hidden authority substrate contracted inward as if under audit.
