The sanctuary hummed with a new energy.
Elias stood at the center of the chamber, his arms outstretched, feeling the strange warmth that had taken root in his chest. The shadow was no longer just a presence within him. It was something more. Something separate. Something that pulsed with its own rhythm, its own purpose.
The others watched from the edges of the room, their faces a mixture of awe and concern. Claire clutched her hands together. Mara's hand rested on her weapon. Selene's fingers hovered over her keyboard. Dominic stood rigid, his eyes fixed on Elias. Lyra's eyes glowed with their otherworldly light.
The shadow began to emerge.
It flowed from Elias's chest like liquid darkness, swirling and twisting, taking form. It was taller than him, its shape humanoid but not quite hum
