"Deal."
The word settled between them like a stone dropped into still water.
Adams held the other Kieran's gaze for a breath longer. Then he snapped his fingers.
The world folded.
---
When the light returned, they stood in a graveyard.
The other Kieran didn't speak. He just stared ahead, his jaw tight, his hands curled into fists at his sides.
"This," he said finally, his voice rough, "is my home."
Adams followed his gaze.
Then he let out a low whistle.
"Damn."
That was all he said at first. The silence stretched between them like a wound that refused to close.
Then Adams scratched the back of his head.
"I've seen dying worlds before. This isn't dying. This is... whatever comes after."
The other Kieran didn't react.
