The Keepers moved.
Fast.
Much faster than before.
One reached Jonas first.
Aria shouted,
"Behind you!"
Too late.
The Keeper grabbed his arm.
Jonas gasped.
"What the—"
The air around him twisted.
His skin flickered.
Like a broken video.
Kael ran forward.
"No!"
He smashed the pocket watch against the Keeper.
Light exploded.
The Keeper flew back.
Jonas collapsed to his knees.
Breathing hard.
"What… was that?"
Mira answered quietly,
"They erase time."
Jonas looked at his hands.
His fingers trembled.
"…I felt years disappear."
Aria felt cold.
"Years?"
Kael pulled Jonas up.
"We have to go."
Jonas nodded weakly.
"Yeah."
Behind them —
More Keepers appeared.
Ten.
Twelve.
Fifteen.
Aria whispered,
"…they're endless."
Kael looked toward a dark building ahead.
"There."
A subway entrance.
Jonas laughed weakly.
"You want to hide underground from time police."
"Yes."
"Bold strategy."
They ran down the stairs.
Behind them —
the Keepers followed.