The ocean beyond the Sanctum was darker than before. The usual shimmer of bioluminescent life had dimmed, replaced by a creeping shadow that stretched as far as Daniel and Mira could see. The Abyss felt heavier now, as if the Core's collapse had unsettled something primal.
Daniel floated in silence, his mind replaying the vision he had seen when he touched the shard. That presence—a colossal, formless entity—was etched into his thoughts. He could still feel it, as though its gaze followed them through the waters.
"Talk to me, Daniel," Mira said, breaking the silence. Her voice was steady, but her eyes betrayed her concern. "What did you see back there? What's got you so shaken?"
Daniel tightened his grip on his trident, staring into the void. "I saw something… powerful. No, more than that. It was ancient, Mira. Older than the Abyss itself. It felt like it was watching us, waiting for something."
