He extended both hands now, completely vulnerable, offering himself to the darkness and whatever it contained.
"Maybe even summon you."
The moment the words left his mouth, something fundamental shifted in the trial space. The darkness that had pressed against him like a physical force suddenly felt less oppressive. The blood around his chest began to recede, draining away as if some cosmic plug had been pulled.
And for the first time since entering this space, Arthur saw light.
Not bright illumination, but faint luminescence emanating from the creatures around him. They became visible as shadowy outlines, their forms still indistinct but no longer completely hidden. Dozens of them surrounded him, their glowing eyes watching with what might have been curiosity rather than hunger.
