Neo-Haven was never a real city.
That was the truth.
"It's a time-loop prison," Liora revealed.
"A controlled reality."
Aren felt sick.
"Your father created it," she continued.
"Because in the future… you destroy everything."
Aren's knees buckled.
"So he trapped me?"
"He tried to save the world," Liora said.
"And to save you."
Tears burned Aren's eyes.
"Then kill me," he snapped.
"End it!"
Liora shook her head.
"That's the problem. The world exists only because you do."
The sky above them cracked, splitting into two overlapping visions—
One future: Aren survives, and the world burns.
Another: Aren vanishes, and the world is saved.
"There is no escape from this choice," Liora said.