The interstice began to collapse.
Not violently—not yet—but with a pressure that made Amaya's bones ache, like the world itself was inhaling.
The Sovereign lifted her gaze, eyes narrowing. "They're accelerating the protocol."
Amaya clenched her fists as pain tore through her chest again. This time it wasn't chaotic—it was precise. Targeted. Cold.
"They're trying to isolate me," Amaya said hoarsely. "Not kill me. Not yet."
The Sovereign's lips curved into something sharp. "They want to own the moment you stabilize."
Amaya swallowed. "They won't."
"No," the Sovereign agreed. "They won't."
She stepped closer and placed two fingers against Amaya's sternum.
The contact burned.
"This will hurt," the Sovereign warned. "And once I do this, there will be no returning to ignorance."
Amaya met her gaze, jaw trembling—but her voice was steady.
"Do it."
The Sovereign pressed in.
The world shattered.
---
Amaya screamed—but this time, she didn't fall apart.
