The atmosphere inside Elsa's room had thickened—warm, humming, alive with the energy John had poured into the protective seal around her. The faint golden light still wrapped around his hands, pulsing in slow waves that matched Elsa's weakened heartbeat. Merlin watched him with a mixture of awe and disbelief. John's power wasn't just strong—it was unusually responsive, almost emotional, as if it understood the situation as deeply as he did.
John exhaled softly, keeping his palms steady on Elsa's skin. "We need time," he murmured, his voice low, heavy with concern. "I can feel the seal stabilizing… but before we trust it, Merlin, we have to be sure. Absolutely sure. I want to know that this seal—" he nodded toward the shimmering barrier, "—is numb now. Completely silent. I don't want the corrupted seal waking again because of my warrior power."
