The encysted seed inside Ren seemed to vibrate in response to the creature's shriek, but not with the uncontrolled intensity of the first time. The black roots began growing again, but remained small for the moment, thin filaments extending barely a few centimeters under his skin like delicate veins of corruption held in check.
The sensation was uncomfortable but manageable... Unlike before, when the marks had threatened to consume him entirely, now they felt more like extra power, a tool he could potentially control rather than a force that would inevitably engulf him.
The group finally began the fight when Ren endured the intense sensation pulsing from his core and launched into attack.
