The Void Queen's shadow stretched across the room like spilled ink. Her voice made the walls crack.
"Your babies are calling for help," she laughed. "How precious. But no one can save you now."
Baby Blaze's flames flickered weakly. Baby Sage's truth-sight dimmed. The newborns were too small to fight such darkness.
"Leave them alone," Lydia whispered, clutching both babies protectively.
"I need all four children," the Void Queen said. "The time twins and the elemental twins. Together, their power can tear holes in reality itself."
Luna and Phoenix moved closer to their new baby brothers.
"We won't let you hurt them," Luna said.
"You can't stop me, little time goddess," the Void Queen replied. "I am the space between stars. The emptiness between thoughts. I am nothing, and nothing always wins."
She reached toward the babies with hands made of living shadow.
But something amazing happened.
