The wind howled louder than any orchestra.
Concrete cracked under the pressure of gathered power. Above them, the storm churned like a celestial eye watching gods and ghosts prepare to clash.
Crow remained still, coat fluttering like wings of an ancient raven god. His eyes flicked from face to face.
Solarius.
Richard.
Tyler.
(And me. And me. And me again. All threads I pulled… like a conductor with his puppets.)
"CROW!" Solarius called, stepping forward, gold aura pulsing. "Let's end this. Our fate."
Crow didn't blink.
"So be it." His voice was calm, almost disappointed.
Sara stepped forward, vines writhing at her feet like anxious serpents.
"He's changed. Crow… his energy, it's twisted now. Hiding made him stronger."
Sefe tugged at Lily's coat, stepping ahead despite everyone trying to hold her back.
"Crow!!"
He turned, gazing at the child, just for a second, the corners of his mouth twitched.
"You're here… Sefe."
