The Gathering Shadow

The courtyard of Blackthorn University had begun to resemble its old self, yet echoes of destruction still remained. Columns have been rebuilt, and new gardens have been planted to replace those that had been scorched. The reconstruction efforts offered the surviving optimism, as the new reality began to set in.

Avery stood at the courtyard's threshold, looking out to the horizon. She had grown to be the unspoken leader, the person everyone looked to when things were uncertain. The shard in her chest flashed slightly, a constant reminder of the Nexus' presence inside her.

"You've been staring obtainable for hours," Lucas commented as he approached, breaking the silence.

"I sense it," Avery replied softly.

"sense what?"

Her expression changed as she became more comfortable facing him. "some thing is coming."