Rebecca stared into the abyss of space, her gaze lost among the endless tapestry of swirling galaxies and radiant stars. It was beautiful—far more beautiful than anything she had ever seen. Despite the numbness that had taken root in her soul, despite the apathy gnawing at her core, there was something in this celestial vista that awakened the child she thought had long died within her.
Awe stirred within her. Wonder. Small sparks, flickering faintly, trying to ignite a flame buried beneath sorrow.
"A universe," said the Universe Ender beside her, his voice deep and ancient, like stone grinding beneath eternity. "Always a thing of beauty when seen for the first time. You'll get used to it eventually... as long as you stay with me."
His voice wasn't cruel. It wasn't kind either. It simply was. Neutral. Unmoving. Like the death of a star.
Then his expression shifted slightly—if one could even read a being like him—and he turned his gaze toward the universe in front of them.
