"Everestus has already awakened, as has his wife, Louisa. Louis and Ellie, as you can see, have also stepped into their truths. I say this not to provoke envy or place them above anyone. They were simply fortunate—favored by circumstance, drawn into early awakenings through encounters."
Vitus's voice was deep with gravity, his expression drawn, eyes scanning the faces before him.
"But you all carry it. Every one of you. That same divine fire stirs within your veins. You only need to discover it."
He paused, then gestured outward.
"See this apocalypse not as the end, but as a rebirth. A crucible. The veil has fallen. Let this be the moment you truly understand what it means to bear the Paulissen blood."
"We are here for you," Janet added softly, her tone a cool balm to the rising storm in the room. "You're not alone."
"Matthew, your elder brother, stands ready to guide. Grace, Anna—you too. And for the younger ones, you have Louis and Ellie as examples… or come directly to me."
