Chapter 13: House of Fall
"Epoch."
The word left Dax's lips like a command carved into the bones of reality itself—quiet, absolute, undeniable.
Instantly, space warped.
A black hole materialized before them—silent, depthless, a yawning gate out of the void he called his lab. Its edges shimmered faintly, swallowing light and sound alike.
Dax gave Micah a simple, understated gesture.
"Follow me."
He stepped forward in slow, deliberate strides—each one devouring distance until he crossed the event horizon without hesitation, vanishing into the abyss.
Micah followed, the distortion rippling over him like cold water before swallowing him whole.
The world outside greeted them with open sky and crisp, breathable air—sunlight filtering through ancient trees, the distant cry of birds echoing across the Plains of Vabos.
Dax exhaled softly—a breath he didn't truly need, yet took anyway, savoring the shift.
But his focus remained fixed on Micah.
He watched.
Intently.
