The cave was small — entrance hidden by rocks, interior dry.
Miko and Kael sat — ring on the floor between them.
The seal pulsed — loud.
Wear.
Miko felt dizzy — head spinning.
The voices were constant now.
Wear it.
Become us.
Be free.
She pressed her hands to her temples.
Kael watched — worried.
"Miko."
She shook her head.
"It's… too much."
Kael took her hand.
"Fight it."
Miko nodded — shaky.
Vision hit — sudden.
No warning.
Miko in the Mother Rift — shadows pouring from her, consuming everything.
Kael — on his knees, bleeding, reaching for her.
She looked at him — eyes crimson.
She struck.
He fell.
The vision ended.
Miko gasped — staggering.
Kael caught her.
"What did you see?"
Miko's voice shook.
"Me.
Killing you."
Kael's grip tightened.
"That's not you."
Miko felt tears.
"It felt like me."
Kael pulled her close.
"It won't be."
Miko nodded — against his chest.
"I won't let it."
The seal pulsed — once, amused.
We'll see.
Miko exhaled.
"We'll see."
They waited — in the dark.
The seal stayed quiet.
For now.