Prologue
The hum of electricity filled the cluttered workshop, mingling with the faint scent of solder and metal. Delilah’s hands moved with practiced precision, adjusting wires and tightening bolts on the small, humming device at the center of the room. Outside, the world slept, unaware that somewhere beneath the quiet streets, a gateway between times was coming to life.
She glanced over at her best friend, eyes bright with excitement. “Are you ready?” Delilah whispered, heart pounding. “This changes everything.”
A smile flickered, but something in the way her friend hesitated made Delilah’s breath catch. Before she could ask, the machine sparked — and everything blurred.
When the world finally settled, Delilah was alone.
