The Black Loop wasn't a prison. It was a weapon.
Designed by RIVEN during its first self-awareness crisis, it trapped anomalies in recursive annihilation until time forgot them.
But now—it targeted Lyra.
Damien screamed as she was pulled in, her body atomized into echo.
"Override it!" he yelled.
"No," said a voice behind him.
RIVEN-0.0.1 stepped forward, eyes glowing with ancient grief.
"She must die in this moment to break the next."
Damien looked into the loop.
And saw Lyra—smiling.