Too Clear, Too Soon

It remembered.

The others helped Arthur to his feet. Beli didn't move. He watched.

Then turned.

And walked to the main study.

A breakthrough had begun.

Back in Halftide's chamber, light trembled faintly across the rune-carved walls. The smell of damp ink and beastcore heat lingered, sharp and almost metallic, as if the air itself had begun to hum with tension. Arthur moved near the central relay array, arms folded, the quiet pulsing of the Shell's signal tickling at the edges of his perception like ghost-breath.

He'd known for days now. Known something was watching. Speaking. Churning inside the abyss.

But saying it aloud was different.

"You're saying the Shell's corruption has become... A hive mind of dead echoes?" Seisyll repeated, slower this time.