The grand hall of the Vance Guild Manor was supposed to be a sanctuary of absolute, unbothered comfort. With its velvet-draped walls, towering marble pillars, and crystal chandeliers, it was designed to make the harsh realities of the outside world feel like a distant rumor.

But today, a distinct,

The silence in the cramped slum shelter was absolute, broken only by the ragged, terrified breathing of the enforcer pinned against the doorframe.

Vane’s eyes were wide, fixed on the gleaming, spell-forged edge of Kaelen Thorne’s blade resting flush against his throat. A single bead of blood welle

The slums erupted into absolute chaos.

The wailing of the Rift Sirens was a physical force, pressing against Elara’s eardrums as she and Kaelen sprinted out of the shelter and into the narrow, winding streets of the lower ring. Above them, the sky was tearing open.

Massive, swirling vortexes of