[SWE] The Core and the Voice

Lucas shielded his eyes from the light, from the electric end given to a fellow Ascended. His sharp ears, though, held every crack and rumble, every howl and screech of the Spire as the dome at its peak disintegrated and revealed the world beyond. And revealed the world beyond that. Lips parting in silent awe, the wind ruffling his fair hair, Lucas turned to face the falling barrier with a smile that did not even pretend to be anything but self-satisfied. There it was - the world for the taking. The world the Voice had promised. A shiver ran through him, and he turned to glance over his shoulder at the empty shell of the Core, her emaciated body, her mummified form punctured and pierced by the prison of wires. Slowly, he stepped over to it. He shrugged out of his coat, draping it over her as if to keep her warm. Or perhaps it was just to save her dignity. Or maybe he was staking his claim. Who knew. LUCAS don't you know there ain't no devil it's just god when he's drunk