When Erend returned to his house, the familiar warmth of it felt strangely distant. He closed the portal quietly behind him and stood there for a moment, listening to the soft hum of electricity in the walls, the faint sound of wind outside, and the ordinary rhythm of a peaceful home that knew nothing about Void Architects or ancient Creations.
He let out a long, slow sigh.
The moment he sat on the edge of his bed again, the coordinates pulsed inside his mind. He pressed his fingers briefly against his temple.
Silence was dangerous.
If he stayed here alone for too long, his thoughts would spiral toward ruined cities and towering silhouettes from half-formed futures. Toward the possibility that he was not strong enough. Toward the idea that someone ancient had already measured him and found him lacking.
He stood up.
The living room lights flickered softly against the walls.
