They didn't delay anymore.
Not after that.
Whatever waited in the void wasn't passive. It was learning. Watching. Adjusting.
So were they.
The arena was empty again.
Just the three of them.
Adrian stood in the center, rolling his shoulders once. So this is it.
Kai nodded. We go in together.
Veyr added, No hesitation. No overextending.
Adrian smirked faintly. You say that like I don't already know.
You don't follow instructions, Kai said.
Fair point.
They moved closer.
Not in a triangle this time.
Closer.
Within reach.
If anything feels wrong, we pull back immediately, Kai said.
Adrian glanced at him. You first.
Kai didn't answer.
Focus, Veyr said.
Adrian exhaled slowly and raised his hand.
The mark pulsed.
Once.
Twice.
Then
The shadows rose.
Stronger than before.
Smoother.
Like they were already prepared.
It's reacting faster, Adrian muttered.
We expected that,Veyr said.
Kai stepped closer. Stay with us.
Adrian nodded. I'm not going anywhere.
He didn't ease into it this time.
He stepped forward.
Directly into the connection.
The world shifted instantly.
Darkness swallowed everything.
But this time
He wasn't alone.
Adrian stood in the void, breath steady.
A second presence formed beside him.
Then another.
Kai.
Veyr.
Not fully physical
But there.
Connected.
So this is what it feels like, Kai said quietly.
Veyr's gaze moved through the darkness. It's the same.
Adrian smirked faintly. Told you.
The void reacted immediately.
The pressure rose.
Heavier than before.
Three presences instead of one.
You bring more
The voice echoed.
Deeper.
More aware.
Adrian crossed his arms slightly. Yeah. Didn't feel like coming alone.
The darkness shifted.
Faster now.
Sharper.
You test the boundary
Veyr stepped slightly forward. We're not here to test.
You lie
Adrian sighed. It really doesn't like us.
Then
The pull came.
Stronger than ever.
Not just at Adrian.
At all three of them.
Kai's expression tightened. It's targeting all of us.
Veyr nodded. Stay anchored.
Adrian clenched his fist. I've got it.
But it wasn't easy.
The pressure wasn't constant anymore.
It surged.
Wave after wave.
Trying to break them apart.
You do not belong here
Adrian smirked faintly. Pretty sure I do.
You will be consumed
Kai's voice cut through. Ignore it.
Adrian nodded. Already am.
Then
The space shifted.
Not violently.
But deliberately.
Like something opening.
It's doing it again, Adrian said.
Veyr's gaze sharpened. Be ready.
A figure appeared.
Closer this time.
Clearer.
Still blurred
But no longer distant.
Adrian stepped forward instinctively.
There.
Kai moved with him. Careful.
The pressure increased immediately.
But Adrian didn't stop.
Hey, he called out. We're back.
The figure twitched.
Then slowly
Lifted its head.
You brought them
The voice was weak.
Broken.
But clearer than before.
Adrian's chest tightened. Yeah.
Kai's eyes narrowed. That's him.
Veyr didn't speak.
But his gaze didn't leave the figure.
You shouldn't be here the figure said.
Adrian sighed. You keep saying that.
It's not safe
Adrian took another step forward. "Then tell us why."
The darkness reacted instantly.
Violent.
Sharp.
Do not approach
The voice cut in again.
Furious now.
The pressure surged.
Hard.
Adrian staggered slightly.
Kai grabbed his arm. Hold steady.
I am, Adrian muttered.
Veyr stepped forward. We're close.
The figure flickered.
Unstable.
It sees you the figure said weakly.
Adrian frowned. Yeah. We noticed.
It won't let you leave
That made all three of them pause.
Kai's voice lowered. Explain.
The figure shook slightly.
Too late
The darkness surged again.
Stronger.
Faster.
Like it was reacting to the conversation itself.
Connection deepening
The voice echoed.
Cold.
Final.
Adrian's eyes widened slightly. That's not good.
Veyr's expression hardened. "It's locking in.
Kai stepped forward. "We pull out. Now.
Adrian hesitated.
Just for a second.
Wait.
Adrian, Kai said sharply.
One more second.
The figure lifted its head fully this time.
For a brief moment
Clear.
A face.
Tired.
Broken.
But real.
Don't fight it
Adrian froze. What?
Break the link
The words came out strained.
That's the only way
The darkness exploded.
Now! Kai said.
Veyr moved instantly.
The connection snapped.
Adrian gasped as reality slammed back.
He dropped to one knee, breathing hard.
That was new
Kai was already beside him. You stayed too long.
Adrian shook his head. Did you hear him?"
Veyr stepped closer. What did he say?
Adrian looked up.
Serious now.
Don't fight it.
A pause.
Break the link.
Silence.
Heavy.
Unsettling.
Kai frowned. "That doesn't make sense.
Adrian exhaled slowly. Yeah.
He looked at his wrist.
The mark pulsed.
Stronger than before.
But I think he's right.
Veyr's gaze darkened. "If you break the link
A pause.
You might lose everything.
Adrian didn't look away.
Or we end the cycle.
No one spoke.
Because both were possible.
And neither outcome was safe.