Dawn broke over the military encampment with an oppressive stillness.
Finn stood with the assembled team at the breach perimeter, watching the impossibly smooth tear in reality shimmer in the early light. Around them, soldiers and Agents maintained a respectful distance with a mixture of fear and hope on their faces.
The nine Transcendents arranged themselves in a loose formation. Himothy took point at the spearhead, with his bronze skin seeming to glow like energy was contained underneath. Flanking him were Yara on the left, her stocky frame radiating her concept of Resilience, and Tavian, the bearer of Passage, on the right.
Behind them, Thalia stood at the center of the second line with Finn to her left and Deacon to her right. The back line consisted of Keeva, Ailin, and Osric — the support specialists who would fade into shadows when needed.
