A tear appeared in the fabric of existence. Its edges gleamed with soft, bluish light, and through the opening, glimpses of somewhere else could be seen.
The portal expanded silently, its boundaries perfectly circular and smooth as a polished mirror. No sound emerged from whatever lay beyond, no wind or energy—just an invitation into mystery.
Julian turned his attention to Annie, who still knelt on the ground where she had collapsed, staring at him with wide eyes. Her body trembled, and this time it was not from fear but from the devastating realization that the child she had loved was something far beyond her understanding.
Without speaking a word, Julian extended his will toward her, and Annie felt herself beginning to rise.
Her mouth opened in a soundless gasp. Within moments, she was floating like a feather.
The fear in her eyes gradually gave way to something approaching wonder as she realized that whatever Julian was, whoever wore her son's face, it meant her no harm.
