Ebony Maw stood at the edge of the platform, staring at the vortex.
His black obsidian robe snapped in the energy winds generated by the machine.
His slender fingers spread slightly at his sides, as though embracing everything that was about to happen.
The blue-gold light of the vortex reflected in his black eyes. Those pupil-less eyes looked like two mirrors, reflecting the abyss of time.
Proxima Midnight stood behind him, spear in hand, her blue face utterly expressionless.
Cull Obsidian crouched in the corner of the laboratory, his massive body curled up.
His dark red eyes were fixed on the vortex, fear and anticipation flickering in his pupils.
Corvus Glaive had come as well. He emerged from the sealed chamber.
He stood on Ebony Maw's other side with his arms crossed, his golden mask reflecting a cold gleam beneath the laboratory lights.
"The equipment is ready." The chief scientist's voice came from the console, hoarse but steady.
"The quantum tunnel has stabilized. The target temporal coordinates have been locked: five years ago, the moment Thanos possessed the Mind Stone. Please board."
Ebony Maw stepped forward.
"Ebony Maw." Proxima Midnight's voice came from behind him, cold and hard, though tinged with barely perceptible concern. "Are you sure you want to go alone?"
"Only I can do this." Ebony Maw did not turn around.
"Thanos will not trust anyone I send. He will only trust me, his most loyal servant."
He stepped onto the platform.
The scientists around the circular device began operating the control panels. The metal rings spun faster, and the black region at the center of the vortex began to expand.
The hum of energy grew sharper and sharper. The laboratory lights began to flicker, and the smell of ozone filled the air.
Ebony Maw stood at the