As the weight of Onyx's vast presence receded, another force began to stir—subtler in scale, but far more unnerving.
This new presence wasn't expansive like the void. It was contained. Concentrated. Alive. A terrifying calm cloaked it, like a blade sheathed in silk, whispering of its power rather than declaring it.
Ethan's smile grew faintly. "Mmm… I sense something interesting."
"You can open your eyes now," Onyx's voice chimed, giddy with anticipation.
Both Ethan and Saareiya opened their eyes—and gasped in unison.
Before them stood a figure unlike anything they expected.
