I lifted Xebec easily off the invisible surface we were standing on, holding him suspended in the void by his throat as he struggled against my grip.
Then suddenly a silver glow burst out of my body, spreading across me in an instant. Fine silver particles began drifting upward along my form like countless fireflies rising into the dark.
I blinked in surprise at the sudden change. Even Xebec's eyes widened.
But he was not the only one.
Behind him, Xeron's expression shifted sharply. The old Naga's calm demeanor fractured for the first time since he had arrived. His eyes widened as he stared at the silver glow surrounding my body.
In the next instant his figure blurred. He appeared beside us.
His hand shot forward and gripped Xebec's shoulder. His eyes narrowed as he looked at me, the shock in them impossible to hide.
"Mr. Billion," he said, his voice suddenly respectful, "please… consider him a child. Let him go."
But I barely heard him.
My attention had shifted completely.
