Sera's voice came from the gap beneath my feet.
Not a bell imitation.
Not the Echo Warden's polished cruelty.
Her voice.
Or close enough to hurt before doubt could save me.
"Brother."
Cedric's memories reacted faster than mine.
The body knew grief by blood.
My knees unlocked. My breath failed. The black gap below widened, lined with torn pages, white hospital light, silver flame, and a child's room sealed from the outside.
Hands held me back.
Seraphina at my wrist.
Liora at my coat.
Aiden at my shoulder.
Elara's roots around my ankle.
Nyx pinning my shadow.
Ren clutching the torn fabric where the Valdrake crest had been.
Too many anchors.
Not enough.
"Do not listen," Seraphina said.
Her voice shook.
She knew what she was asking. That turned the wound into a door.
The gap breathed upward.
"Brother, don't come in."
The memory struck like a blade under the ribs.
