The pull hit harder this time, and Kane's back arched against the chains before he could brace for it.
"Focus," Mordath said, voice steady despite the visible strain now crossing his own features. "Fighting me only prolongs the pain."
"Then let it hurt," Kane said through gritted teeth.
Mordath's hand trembled slightly, something Kane hadn't seen in the first session. Sweat had broken across the old creature's brow, and for a moment, the extraction faltered entirely, the pulling sensation retreating like a wave pulling back from shore.
Mordath stumbled a step, catching himself against the chamber wall.
"What," Mordath said, staring at his own hand like it had betrayed him. "That should not be possible."
Kane, gasping, forced himself to speak despite the exhaustion dragging at every w
