It had made him stronger. Every new worshipper swelled his power, feeding his divine essence with their faith. But there was a price, a hidden poison in the gift.
The energy that flowed into his realm was raw and unrefined, tainted by mortal greed, fear, and obsession. It thickened the currents of his divinity, darkening them, making it harder to distinguish his will from theirs. His once-pristine ocean had begun to churn with shadows, each wave whispering conflicting desires born from human hearts.
He had ignored it before. Dismissed it as the necessary cost of strength. But now, after speaking with Ikem, he understood the danger more clearly. Power gained without discernment could just as easily become corruption.
His anger toward Erik would not fade, nor would his intent to act, but he would move carefully now.
