It was pure beyond comparison. Too pure.
As Isaac continued observing it, something unexpectedly changed. Whether through coincidence or because he had unknowingly strengthened the skill correctly, his vision pierced even deeper than before. Another hidden layer revealed itself beneath the white flame.
Inside that flawless flame rested absolute darkness.
It wasn't merely black.
It was pitch-black darkness that seemed capable of swallowing everything around it. The instant Isaac's eyes met it, every instinct within him screamed in warning, and he flinched without understanding why.
The darkness noticed him.
It moved with startling speed, slithering through the white flame before rushing directly toward Isaac. Before he could react, it wrapped itself around him.
"Alice?" Isaac muttered without thinking.
The darkness didn't attack him.
