When he returned to Aurora, he would not allow that distance to widen further.
He would evolve them.
His aunt. His cousin.
If they remained ordinary while he continued forward, time itself would become an enemy. One day he would look back and realize they had grown old while he had not.
He would not accept that.
With evolution, they would live longer. Far longer. They would gain the ability to cultivate, to at least stand on the same road, even if they walked it at a different pace. They would have the choice to stay with him, to see where this journey led, instead of being forced to stop at the edge.
Michael knew the risks.
Once someone stepped onto this path, there was no true return to ignorance. The world became larger, harsher, and far less forgiving. But he also knew this was a journey he could no longer abandon.
If he was going to walk it, then he would love to not walk it alone.
