The world didn't stop when Dorian landed.
But it should have.
The ground still trembled. The air still hissed. But in that single moment, when Rivan locked eyes with the man who once shared his childhood breath…
Everything else disappeared.
Dorian stood in gleaming armor, etched with symbols Rivan couldn't read. His hair was longer now, silver-threaded, eyes darker—like they had forgotten how to reflect light. A jagged scar ran from his temple to his jaw, and a black corestone glowed at his throat like a pulsing heartbeat.
"Still alive," Dorian said. "And still stubborn."
Rivan stepped forward. "You're real."
"And you're late," Dorian replied, almost smiling. "I've been waiting."
Selina shifted beside Rivan, her posture tense. Kael didn't move at all—his eyes locked on the six Shades behind Dorian.
[System Alert: Threat Level – Apex. Target Identity: Dorian Cross. System Host: Collector Class. Tier: Unquantified.]
[Warning: Bond interference potential HIGH.]
