The change didn't fade.
If anything, it got worse.
Adrian felt it the moment he woke up. The connection wasn't distant anymore. It was there quiet, steady, like something watching from just behind his thoughts.
Yeah, this is new, he muttered.
He flexed his hand. The mark pulsed once in response.
Not violently.
Not out of control.
Just aware.
By the time he reached the training hall, Kai and Veyr were already waiting.
They noticed immediately.
Kai's eyes narrowed. It's stronger.
Adrian shrugged. That obvious?
Veyr stepped closer. You feel it too.
Yeah, Adrian said. It's not waiting anymore.
Silence.
That wasn't a good sign.
They didn't waste time.
Show us, Veyr said.
Adrian sighed. You really don't let anything rest.
Neither does it, Veyr replied.
Fair enough.
Adrian raised his hand and activated the mark.
The shadows formed instantly.
Too fast.
Too smooth.
Kai's expression tightened slightly. That's different.
Yeah, Adrian said quietly. "It's easier now."
That was the problem.
"Hold it, Veyr said.
Adrian didn't just hold it.
He barely had to try.
The shadows stayed steady, almost like they were helping him.
Okay, Adrian muttered. I don't like that.
Don't trust it, Kai said.
Wasn't planning to.
Then it happened.
A pull.
Sudden.
Sharp.
Adrian's breath caught.
There it is.
The shadows reacted immediately, tightening around him.
Not attacking.
Guiding.
Pulling.
Adrian, Kai said, stepping forward. Stay grounded.
I am, Adrian replied, but his voice wasn't as steady as before.
The pull increased.
Not violent.
But constant.
Like something calling him back.
It's trying to drag me in without asking,Adrian said.
Veyr's gaze sharpened. That means the connection is open.
I figured that part out.
Don't follow it, Kai said.
Adrian clenched his fist. Not planning to.
But it was harder this time.
Before, he had to reach for it.
Now
It was reaching for him.
The world around him flickered.
Just for a second.
Darkness brushed the edge of his vision.
Adrian's expression changed. It's closer.
Pull back, Kai said immediately.
Adrian didn't move.
Wait.
Veyr frowned. Adrian.
I can feel it, Adrian said. I don't need to go all the way in.
That's not safe, Kai said.
Adrian ignored him.
Just for a second.
He focused on the connection.
Didn't step into it
But didn't pull away either.
The darkness responded.
Faster this time.
Stronger.
A whisper brushed against his mind.
You return
Adrian's eyes narrowed. Not fully.
Closer than before
Adrian exhaled slowly. Yeah. I noticed.
The pull increased again.
He held his ground.
Barely.
Outside, the shadows around him started to shift.
Unstable.
Adrian, Kai said sharply. That's enough.
Wait, Adrian said. Something's different.
Veyr stepped closer. What?
Adrian frowned slightly. It's not forcing me.
A pause.
It's waiting.
That changed everything.
Kai's expression hardened. Pull out. Now.
Adrian hesitated.
Just one more second.
Inside his mind, the darkness moved again.
Not attacking.
Not dragging.
Just opening.
You seek the end
Adrian's breath slowed.
Yeah.
Then come further
Adrian almost laughed. You wish.
The whisper faded slightly.
But the pull didn't.
Then
Another voice.
Faint.
Broken.
Don't
Adrian froze.
There you are.
The figure flickered at the edge of his awareness.
Closer than before.
Still unclear.
But there.
You're getting clearer, Adrian said quietly.
Leave the voice said again, strained.
Adrian shook his head. Not happening.
Now! Kai said.
The shadows snapped sharply.
Veyr moved at the same time.
The connection broke.
Adrian staggered back as the arena came into full focus.
He exhaled sharply. Okay. That's worse.
Kai grabbed his arm. You pushed too far again.
Adrian shook his head. No. It let me.
Silence.
Veyr frowned. Explain.
Adrian looked at him. It didn't force me this time.
A pause.
It waited.
That didn't sound better.
Not even a little.
Kai's voice lowered. It's adapting.
Adrian nodded slowly. Yeah.
He looked down at his wrist.
The mark pulsed again.
Calm.
Patient.
And I think it wants me to go deeper.
Veyr's gaze darkened. Of course it does.
Adrian let out a breath.
But so do we.
Silence settled.
Because that was the truth.
Kai stepped back slightly. Then next time, we don't let it control the pace.
Adrian smirked faintly. You think we have that choice?
We make one, Kai said.
Veyr nodded. We go in prepared.
Adrian looked at both of them.
Next time, we don't stop halfway.
Kai didn't respond immediately.
Then
Next time, we go together.
Adrian smiled slightly. Good.
Because if the Source was waiting
Then so were they.
And this time
They wouldn't hesitate.