The explanation came moments before the portal tore open reality.
The Brightest Star stood before Elizabeth, Nikko, Racheal and the rest wearing Leon's mother's face, her voice calm as she laid the truth bare.
The universe, the trials, pandora as a splintered timeline created to preserve a fragment of existence while the rest was marked for sacrifice.
She told them they were safe here. That this world would endure. That Leon had chosen to return alone and had promised to come back when everything was finished.
Even as she spoke, doubt crept through her thoughts.
"This is the best choice for you," she continued, her tone softening. "Stay here. Live. Enjoy what time—"
"Take us back."
The words cut through her sentence cleanly.
The Brightest Star blinked.
"What?"
Nikko stepped forward, impatience sharp in her eyes as she stared at the woman wearing Leon's Mother's face.
"You heard her. Take us to him. Stop wasting our time."
Rachel folded her arms, scowling.
