TM

The laboratory buzzed with electricity. Coils crackled with blue arcs of energy as glowing panels flickered across the walls. In the center of the room stood humanity’s greatest achievement—a towering ring of polished steel surrounding a swirling vortex of shimmering light. A time machine. Makayla Aiuto stared at it with equal parts excitement and fear. “I still can’t believe we actually built it,” she whispered. Her husband laughed softly, unable to take his eyes off the portal. “Neither can I. Every sleepless night… every failed prototype… it all led to this.” He reached for her hand, squeezing it tightly. “We’re about to make history.” Makayla smiled. “As long as we make it back.” He grinned. “Always.” The computer chimed. Temporal Gateway Stable. “Opening portal in… three…” The machine hummed louder. “Two…” The floor vibrated beneath their feet. “One…” With a deafening roar, the center of the ring exploded into brilliant blue light. A swirling tunnel of stars and lightning spun endlessly inside. “It worked!” Makayla gasped. Her husband stepped closer to inspect the readings. Suddenly— WARNING. TEMPORAL INSTABILITY DETECTED. “What?” The lights began flashing crimson. The portal expanded violently. “No, no, no…” he muttered as he frantically typed commands into the console. “It shouldn’t be doing this!” The vortex twisted into a violent cyclone. Equipment flew across the laboratory. Monitors shattered. The machine screamed with unbearable energy. “Shut it down!” Makayla yelled over the noise. “I’m trying!” The portal erupted. An invisible force blasted through the room like a hurricane. Makayla lost her footing. She slid across the floor toward the swirling void. “Makayla!” Her husband lunged forward, grabbing her wrist just before she disappeared into the portal. For one desperate moment… …they held on. His feet dug into the metal floor. Her body dangled over an endless tunnel of light. “I’ve got you!” he shouted. “Y