Prologue: The Light Beyond the Tunnel

I always thought death would be a moment of peace. You know, your life flashing before your eyes, that sort of thing. Instead, I got traffic, rain, and then—nothing.

Until there was light. But it wasn't warm. It was cold, immense... and endless.

"You are not meant to be here."

A voice thundered—not from outside, but inside. It resonated with me, as if something ancient had awoken in my soul.

Then I saw it: a fractured sky, constellations bleeding light, and a gate that opened not with keys, but will.

I stepped through.