“It’s not natural,” said her partner, Leo, rubbing his temples. “It sounds like a cello being played inside a glacier.”

It was an invitation.

Outside the viewport, the void between galaxies began to shimmer, as if the universe itself was drawing a slow, patient breath.

The signal was weak, but its pattern was undeniable. It was counting down.

Elara read it three times. The fear didn't vanish, but something else grew alongside it: a fragile, terrifying hope. Midious wasn't a conqueror.

Until last Tuesday.