The Echo of Everything

Avery dashed through the collapsing passageways of the underground city, Lucas and Elena following closely after. The tremors intensified, threatening to shatter the fragile structures that kept them afloat. The Architect's mocking laughter rang endlessly, a constant reminder of his rising strength.

The luminous center they'd stabilized seconds before now fluctuated violently, its light diminishing with each pulse. Avery felt the weight of her movements press into her chest. She had intended to shop the town, but instead, she had unleashed something much worse.

"Elena!" Avery shouted above the loud roar. "How can we prevent this?"

Elena's voice tightened with panic. "The middle should've held! However, stabilizing it while the Architect remained tethered here—" She stumbled, her expression changing into something unreadable. "We've created a paradox."

Avery's stomach sank. "What form of paradox?"