[: 3rd POV :]
As the warnings from the Will of the universe chim, the heart of the world fell silent.
Roots of light slowed their pulse as Mika drew a careful breath, the vast structures of her existence aligning inward.
The inner sky dimmed slightly, constellations pausing their slow birth and collapse, as though even the stars wished to hear what would be said next.
Mika loosened her hold on Daniel.
Not fully, never fully, but enough to look at him.
Her galactic eyes searched his face, not for strength, not for confidence, but for something far more fragile.
And that was Resolve.
"…Daniel," she said softly.
He met her gaze without hesitation.
"Yes."
Her fingers curled once, then relaxed.
For a being who had just ascended beyond planetary classification, who now held the authority to deny and repel invasions, the uncertainty in her posture was striking.
"This isn't like the battles you've fought," Mika said.
