The Heart of Power

The relationship between Avery and the Puppet master commercial firm felt shaky at best, the air dense with suspicion. Marcus led the institution farther into the labyrinth of the puppet master's castle, his face stern but resolute. Every step brought them closer to what he referred to as The Nexus.

Marcus had said, "You'll have to look into this for yourself." "It's the best manner you'll understand what's at stake."

Avery walked beside him, her mind racing with questions she couldn't express verbally. Lucas and Elena followed closely, their caution obvious. The illumination of dim, pulsing lighting fixtures guided them, illuminating walls adorned with intricate, unearthly patterns.

"What precisely is that this Nexus?" Avery finally asked, breaking the silence.

Marcus did not glance at her. "It is the source of everything—the supernatural, the size, and time itself. Everything we've battled about flows from it."