War XXXIII

Suddenly, the ruins began to quake violently. Nexus's eyes widened. "Uh… Aiden, we need to leave. Now. Taking the fragment must've triggered a failsafe—this entire place is about to collapse!"

The ground beneath them cracked and split apart, revealing a swirling vortex of dark energy. Aiden spread his wings, grabbing Nexus by the arm as they launched into the sky. Debris rained down around them as the ancient city began to implode, the vortex consuming everything in its path.

"Hang on!" Aiden shouted, weaving through falling columns and collapsing structures.

The vortex's pull grew stronger, nearly dragging them in, but Aiden pushed himself harder, summoning the last of his strength. With a final burst of speed, they shot through the collapsing entrance and into the open sky just as the ruins were swallowed by darkness.

They landed on a nearby cliff, breathing heavily as they watched the ancient city vanish beneath the swirling vortex.