The first rays of dawn crept over the horizon, casting a pale glow on the jagged mountains surrounding the group. Despite the lingering cold of the night, the warmth of the sun did little to thaw the weight that pressed on them. Rylan's message still echoed in their minds, but it was Lyra who felt it most, the Keystone now heavy in her grasp, as if it had absorbed the sorrow and responsibility left behind by his parting words.
They had barely moved since Rylan had faded into the ether. Each of them processed the encounter differently. For some, it brought closure. For others, like Lyra, it opened a new chasm of uncertainty.
Thorne cleared his throat, breaking the silence. His deep voice carried the same steadying authority it always did, but there was a heaviness to it now. "We can't stay here. The convergence may be over, but we're exposed."
