Aildris nodded slowly. "What do you need us to do?"
Angy looked at all of them.
"I need you to trust me."
They exchanged hesitant and hopeful glances.
After a long moment, Endric stepped forward first.
"I trust you," he said.
Falco followed. "Same."
E.E placed a hand over his chest. "You're family."
Aildris nodded. "We're with you."
Sersi, Ria, Elevora, Xanatus—all stepped closer.
Angy inhaled deeply.
"Then get ready," she whispered. "Because if we succeed… Gustav will return."
And silently, secretly, her hand drifted once more to her stomach.
"But if we fail…"
She closed her eyes.
"…the universe will truly end."
...
...
The preparations took long, grueling and nerve-wracking days. Inside the concealed pocket-star, the air vibrated with restless energy. People whispered in corners, sharpened weapons that would do little against deities, inspected equipment whose usefulness was now reduced to mere hope.
