Xin reached the central palace at midnight.
The gate to the old source chamber was open. Black energy leaked out. Five people were inside. The young man from the cave was at the center.
"Close the gate," Xin said.
Ren ran to the gate. Pushed it. The stone did not move.
"The old source residue is holding it open."
"Then we go in."
---
The chamber was dark. Black energy filled the air. The five people stood in a circle. Their bodies were cracked. Black fluid leaked from their skin.
"You are killing yourselves," Xin said.
The young man turned. His face was half gone. Bone showed through the skin.
"We are becoming something new."
"You are dying."
"Dying is living."
The young man raised his hands. Black energy shot toward Xin.
Xin dodged. The energy hit the wall behind him. The wa
