The week of preparation passed in a blur of noise.
Then came the day the expedition began.
At dawn, the Meridian Gate vibrated with a strange hush. Not silence… but anticipation so thick that even breathing felt like it might disturb the balance of the world.
The Celestial Race proxies stood on a high platform outside the gates, looking down on the gathered powers. Their presence straightened spines and quieted hearts.
Solar Concordium descended from the sky like a war god stepping out of the sun. His robes blazed gold and his true form was concealed in radiance.
Even Ascendants behaved like schoolchildren in his presence.
His voice rolled across the arena with gentle authority.
"All chosen parties, step forward. The expedition begins now."
Lucien and Marie, now in Verdant Veil attire, moved with their group into formation. Around them stood the Top Ten. Those who had become familiar faces over the past week lifted hands or nodded toward Lucien in greeting.
