The flaming sigil pulsed once in the overcast sky above Eidolon City, its alien geometry burning itself into the retinas of everyone who dared look up. Then it began to descend.

Maya watched in horrified fascination as the symbol dropped through the clouds like a falling star, trailing ribbons of fire that left smoking scars across the heavens. It was heading straight for the university district, straight for them.

"We need to move." Azrael's voice cut through her paralysis. "Now."

He ...