The tribute ceremony happened at dawn.
I stood before the largest shadow pool in the eastern territories. The one that had survived our earlier attempt to destroy it.
The speaking beast waited on the opposite side. Silent. Watching.
"Begin when ready. Give freely what was taken by force. Restore balance through willing sacrifice."
I took a deep breath. Manifested my shade at full strength. Let it grow and expand until it filled the entire clearing.
Then I directed it toward the pool. Not attacking. Not forcing. Just offering. Letting it flow freely into the dark water.
The sensation was strange. Like pouring out part of myself. Like giving away something fundamental.
The pool absorbed the shadow magic. Glowed with contained power. Grew deeper and darker.
I kept channeling. Kept giving. One hour of full strength manifestation. More shadow magic than I'd used in any single fight. More power than I'd thought I could generate.
