The others stepped forward, placing their hands upon the golden threads, upon the city itself. One by one, they **joined.**
The energy **amplified.**
The void **shuddered.**
The city **expanded.**
Streets unfurled, buildings **rose,** the echoes of their world becoming reality once more. The golden light spread further, pushing back the darkness, reclaiming what had been lost.
Jude felt the strain lessening. He was not alone. They were **stronger together.**
The void **resisted.**
But for the first time, it **failed.**
The golden light **held.**
The people, their city, their world—**they held.**
Jude released a shaky breath, meeting Lyara's gaze. She smiled, a small, fierce smile.
"We're back," she whispered.
Jude nodded. "And we're not leaving."
The void had tried to erase them.
But they had **survived.**
And now, they would **fight.**
