The Nexus Chronicles

Bryce and Gregory escape the collapsing citadel into the desert. They encounter twisted six-legged creatures with a distinctive burnt-copper stench. A network barrier smelling of cut stone and winter air protects them. Bryce discovers his deepening connection to the Network.

Gregory and Bryce explore the citadel and meet the Guardian who explains the Network - nexus points that seal chaos entities. Bryce's bloodline has an ancient connection. Becoming an anchor will drain his life force over decades.

Gregory and Bryce explore the citadel gallery of Halvorn murals, discovering the ancient race built the network to seal chaos entities (the Unbound/Void Walkers). Gregory recalls the folk tales from Marisburg.

Time distortion intensifies as Gregory and Bryce approach the citadel. They confront the emotional horror of losing time - loved ones living through days they'll never share, grief hardening in their absence. They enter the citadel and descend to the vast cavernous heart of the network.

Gregory and Bryce cross the Dulmat mountains. During fireside confessions, Gregory reveals killing Corvin, Bryce reveals his healing abilities and his love for Abigail. Bryce shares how their bond was forged in mutual vulnerability - sitting with each other through grief without flinching.

Gregory and Bryce flee Mulrich. Bryce reveals his fear for Abigail specifically and clutches the falcon token. They cross the western plain toward the Dulmat mountains and discover a smooth black circle on the plain - a scar where something tried to breach the network from below.

Gregory and Bryce find Mulrich consumed by unnatural purple fire. Gregory connects the purple flames' wrongness to the warm river stones from their escape and the humming cellar crack from Marisburg. They rescue survivors and learn Queen messengers fled before the fires.

Gregory and Bryce escape from the Otagin camp, wade upstream to lose pursuers. In the river they pass ancient stone outcroppings warm from within, carved with spiral patterns Bryce recognizes from his grandfather's drawings of old boundary markers.

Gregory walks beside Bryce and notices the prince's injuries have healed impossibly fast. They discuss their situation, Bryce reveals his betrothed Abigail, and Gregory devises an escape plan.