Nameless recoiled instantly, tearing his hand away as he staggered backward, fear etched across his face.
He stumbled until his back struck the shelves ... books spilling open around him.
From them erupted voices… screams, whispers, laughter, sorrow, rage, joy, hatred.
A cacophony of emotions that opened before him… revealing entire worlds.
Tears welled in his eyes.
He collapsed to the ground, clutching his head.
"What… what is this…" he gasped, struggling to breathe.
For the first time in his life…
He cried.
He cried violently, his eyes reddening, pulsing with life they had never known before.
His body trembled ...
Until she stepped forward and held his face, her touch sending a chilling cold through him.
In that moment… he understood.
He was completely at her mercy.
And yet… he did not resist her touch.
"You understand now… don't you?" she asked softly.
Nameless answered in a trembling voice.
"This place… this is… the Aether… no…"
"…the real world."
