Slowly, Azriel pushed himself upright, fixing a grim stare on Mirius, whose mouth curved in quiet pleasure.
His chest heaved. He kept his eyes on the former Dusk King's right hand—then his vision flickered, and his breath stopped in his throat.
For a heartbeat the Forest of Eternity vanished. In its place: silver fire—everywhere—rising, swallowing, drowning him. The world stuttered between the two images: Mirius, and a sea of argent flame. Then it snapped back—Mirius a few meters away, Ranni's body limp at his side.
Azriel bit his lip until blood ran. His face tightened. He clawed at the side of his neck, reopening the half-closed gouge, tearing skin anew.
"Get out of my head, dammit..!" he hissed.
Mirius tilted his head. The pleased look vanished, leaving his face an empty canvas.
"Whatever your ties to Neo Genesis and the Supreme Archon… one thing is certain: you're crazy."
Azriel bit down until his gums bled. He sank into a stance.
