The message on the wall glowed with a faint, pulsing light.
Elias had stared at it for hours, trying to decipher its meaning. THE STORM IS PASSED. THE CHAOS REMAINS. THE FINAL TEST AWAITS. The words seemed to shift when he looked away, rearranging themselves into new patterns that made no sense.
His head throbbed. His eyes burned. But he couldn't look away.
You are exhausting yourself, the shadow said. Rest.
Elias shook his head. "I can't rest. Not while this is here."
The message will still be here tomorrow. You need to preserve your strength.
Elias was about to argue when a sharp pain lanced through his skull. He staggered, his hand pressing against his temple.
"Elias!" Claire rushed to his side. "What's wrong?"
He blinked, trying to focus. "I don't know. A headache. It's nothing
