The Price of Unity

The multiverse stabilized—but at a terrible cost.

Kael was gone.

Not dead. Not alive.

Integrated.

His essence now anchored the new lattice. No longer a person. Now a principle.

The Driftbearer became a constant—a universal fail-safe across all timelines. Any multiversal event now echoed his will. A safeguard. A guardian.

Reeva stared out at the rebuilt lattice. "He saved everyone. And now... he's everywhere."

Elara placed the broken remains of the Keystone in a containment prism. "Let's make sure no one ever forgets him."

Behind them, a child tugged at Reeva's coat.

He looked exactly like Kael.

Smiled the same way.

"Hi," he said. "I had the weirdest dream."

Reeva froze.

Elara smiled softly.

"It's starting again."