The frozen audit seal cracked before dawn, and every black line beneath the child's bed answered with a pulse through the camp.
Didi stood over the foundation stone with five Shards turning slowly, while frost ran from her torn palm into the unfinished circle.
The child remained on the bed beneath her hood, with Elina seated beside her and both hands visible above the blanket.
Hajin kept his left hand open near the floor, refusing to touch the child's forearm while Divine Eye followed the foreign pressure.
'The seal is opening, but the Collector is not the first thing through it, and whatever arrives first will determine the room's next defense.'
Aria's warning arrived before another shadow entered the room, then the foundation beneath the camp shuddered along a builderless line.
Juna moved between the widening crack and the bed while Loccy planted both feet against the nearest support, keeping the mattress above the shifting foundation.
