Chapter 25: Guardians of Time

Chapter 25: Guardians of Time

Tiredness and success combined in one breath, the result of events within the walls of the Temporal Division headquarters where the final fight with the Syndicate left deep bruises both to history and into the ranks. The artifact finally did not show signals anymore. Finally, perhaps for the very first time in their eternity, the timeline had stabilized, so it would have seemed.

Eli Voss was the only one standing on the observation deck, staring at the glittering Temporal Beacon. The rhythmic pulse seemed to echo through the sensitive balance of time, a balance he and his team had been fighting so hard to defend.

Samara approached, her footsteps quiet, yet firm in determination. "The ripple analysis just came in," she said, holding a data tablet. "No anomalies detected. It's over, at least for now."

Eli nodded, the weight of her words settling over him. "For now," he echoed. "But the Syndicate's ideology won't vanish overnight. Someone will pick up where they left off. History will always be under threat."

She studied him carefully, noticing the weariness etched in his features. "You're thinking about leaving, aren't you?"

Eli turned to her, his expression unreadable. "I've been thinking about it, yes. But every time I try to imagine walking away, I realize I can't. This isn't just a job-it's who I've become. Protecting the timeline.it's all that matters now."

Samara smiled faintly, admiration mingling with understanding. "Then stay. We'll need you for what's to come.

Behind them, Graves and the rest of the team filed into the room. Despite the fatigue, there was a silent camaraderie, forged in the fires of shared danger.

Graves clapped Eli on the back. "I say we deserve a little celebration. Drinks on me, if this fancy future still has decent whiskey."

The team chuckled, their laughter a rare reprieve from the tension that had dominated their lives.

As they talked, Eli found his gaze returning to the Temporal Beacon. Its glow seemed steadier, as if history itself had exhaled in relief. He thought about all they had endured: the battles fought across centuries, the sacrifices made, and the unyielding determination that had carried them through.

"We're not just fixing history," Eli said aloud, his voice steady and resolute. "We're guarding it—for everyone who's ever lived and everyone who ever will."

Samara stepped forward, her hand on his shoulder. "Then let's make sure we're ready for whatever comes next. Because it's only a matter of time."

The Temporal Beacon flared brighter, bathing in its warm light as they stood together, bound by their mission and the silent vow that their fight would never truly be over.

They were the guardians of time. And they would always be ready.