Jax approached the book on the pedestal with caution. A thin shimmering barrier enveloped it, like liquid crystal rippling at his presence. He extended his hand to touch it, but the resistance was immediate, repelling him.
He frowned, tried again...
And then it happened.
A sharp crack, like glass shattering, echoed through the hall. The barrier fragmented into countless ethereal shards that dissolved into the air. The book was instantly absorbed into his right hand, vanishing without a trace.
"Shit…" Jax muttered, staring at his palm in panic. "Where is it? What the hell just happened?"
He turned toward the Ethereas, apologizing over and over, convinced he had just stolen something sacred.
But none of them paid attention to his words.
Every gaze was locked on his hand, filled with awe and reverence. One of them trembled as she stepped closer, brushing his skin with her translucent fingers.
