The mood shifted instantly. Because survival was no longer the question. Now we had to decide what came next. How toguide the surviving Arkhevari. How to deal with the remnants of the Mmuhr’Rhongs still scattered throughout the galaxy.
And perhaps hardest of all, how to live in a universe finally free of the Harrowed One. For the first time in millions of years, the discussions no longer revolved around survival. No battlefront reports. No containment breaches. No orders of witnessing the Abyss consuming another world.
Now the Council spoke of rebuilding. Of healing. Of the future.
It felt strangely unreal.
Zapharos stood near the center of the chamber, hands clasped behind his back while projections of the galaxy shimmered around us in silver light.
“The remaining Mmuhr’Rhong nests will need to be hunted down systematically,” he summarized. “Without the Harrowed One they are weakened, but still dangerous.”
“Especially the older broods,” Valelion added grimly. “Some evolved partial independence before the Harrowed One fell.”
Selkaris nodded slowly. “The Arkhevari will need our guidance now more than ever. But now there is hope that each one of us will find their Aelyth.”
I didn't like the look he sent towards Naeris, and judging by the scowls on Zapharos' and Dravok's features, neither did they. Especially not after what happened with Nythor, but Selkaris wasn't Nythor. I couldn't blame him or the others for yearning what the three of us had found.
Oryzael sighed softly. "It will take many years."
Before the conversation could continue, Dravok straightened. “I need to go to Auris Prime.”
The Hall quieted instantly. Dravok’s expression sharpened into the calm ruthlessness that had once made entire civilizations fear the Warden of Shadows. “The Sythari side of the universe remained isolated for millions of years. We need tofigure out why,” he continued. “We also need to find out if the Umbrians survived, we know almost nothing about what became of them after the Fracture.”
“Their empire is unstable,” Naeris warned quietly beside me, meaning the Sythari. I felt old anger flicker through her instantly at the thought of them. “They’re dangerous.”
“Exactly.” Dravok’s gaze darkened. “I intend to gather as much intelligence as possible and determine whether they pose a future threat.”
Nadine immediately nodded. “And while we’re there, I need access to the gravitational shear telemetry surrounding the post-Fracture barrier systems.”
The Hall collectively blinked at her. Nadine's smile faltered for a moment when she realized that she just went way over all our heads. She added detail, "The collapse of the Harrowed One altered the subspace lattice structure connecting the separated halves of the universe.”
Excitement brightened her entire face now. “Do you understand what that means? The astrophysical implications alone are extraordinary.”
Ella stared at her. “You’re excited about reality breaking less.”
“Yes.”
“That’s deeply concerning.”
“I’m aware.”
Dravok looked entirely unsurprised by any of this.
Zapharos rubbed a hand over his jaw thoughtfully before nodding once. “Very well.”
Then his gaze shifted toward Ella. “Ella and I will return to Earth.”
Warmth softened his voice almost immediately. “I’ll speak with the Pandraxian Superior Commander personally to ensureEarth’s protection while monitoring Sythari activity from this side of the barrier.”
“And,” he looked down with a besotted grin at his Aelyth, “Ella may conduct all the archaeological excavations she desires.”
Ella gasped. Actually gasped. Then let out a squeal loud enough to echo through the Hall. “Yes!”
The sound startled several nearby Arkhevari guards. Zapharos looked entirely too pleased with himself over causing her happiness.
Everyone’s attention shifted toward me. Toward us. I looked down at Naeris beside me. Her dark eyes lifted toward mine instantly. No fear. No hesitation. Only trust. And love.
I took her hand slowly. “We,” I stated calmly, “will locate Naeris’ rebel allies.”
