The constellation stabilized.
At least, that was what the readings suggested.
Across the Convergence World, harmonic frequencies slid back into acceptable parameters. The newborn node's oscillation smoothed from erratic flares into a measured, steady pulse. Lysarra's solar currents flowed once more in radiant arcs through the shared channels, molten gold streaming like disciplined starlight rather than wildfire. Kaelith's frost lattice regained its pristine geometry—razor-clean lines of crystalline logic reforming in elegant symmetry.
On the surface, there was peace.
No alarms.
No fractures in the outer veil.
No sign of the Predator pressing against their borders.
But beneath that engineered calm—
Tension simmered.
Not the violent instability of imminent collapse. Not the panicked surge of survival.
Something subtler.
More dangerous.
Ethan felt it immediately.
