The purification seal around the tower flickered weakly.
Kael and Lira moved cautiously, the weight of the shadow pressing on Kael's chest.
> "The barrier is dying," murmured Noctis. "And when it falls… it will be a feast."
From the mist outside came the metallic clang of chains.
Kael's heart raced.
A Shattered Echo emerged — a colossal, humanoid figure, broken into floating fragments bound by dark veins, eyes and mouths everywhere.
Kael was thrown back against debris, but the shadow coiled around him.
> "Let me fight," whispered Noctis.
"I will not let you take over," Kael growled.
The shadow surged forward.
Kael felt raw power flowing through him as the Echo shattered into black smoke, absorbed by Noctis.
Lira approached cautiously.
> "Kael… what did you just do?"
Kael, catching his breath, whispered:
> "I think… I just embraced the shadow."