There was a tense silence between them. The projection had faded, but the weight of the message still hung thick in the air.
Aether folded his arms slowly, his gaze fixed on the crystal as if it might flicker back to life. After a long pause, he finally asked in a low, thoughtful tone, "This is the only thing you found?"
Xara gave a quick nod. "Yeah. No other files. Just this one recording before they must've abandoned the place forever, it seems."
Aether exhaled heavily and rubbed his forehead with his fingers, trying to process everything. Too many questions. Too little clarity.
Xara, however, was glowing with excitement. Her eyes were practically sparkling as she looked up at him, her voice filled with barely-contained thrill.
