[Flashback]
The moment Iris activated the beacon, a brilliant beam of light erupted into the night sky.
The sudden brightness forced everyone nearby to throw their hands over their eyes. For several seconds, the entire area was washed in white light, bright enough to make it difficult to see even with their eyes closed.
Then the brightness faded.
One by one, they lowered their hands.
The beacon continued glowing steadily, its light stretching high above Velaris like a pillar reaching toward the sky.
Caleb stared at it for several seconds.
"That's it?"
Iris turned toward him.
"What?"
"That's all?" Caleb pointed toward the beacon. "I thought people were supposed to come."
Iris stared at him.
Caleb looked around the empty surroundings.
"I mean, where are they?"
Iris sighed.
"You thought they were going to appear right in front of us?"
"Well…"
She walked over and flicked him lightly on the forehead.
"Ow!"
"It's a beacon, Caleb. Not a teleportation device."
