"Elysia," the voice said, and she stirred.
Darkness still clouded her vision, but for the moment, she was back in the present.
"Elysia, wake up," the voice said again, this time softer.
Kael. She knew that voice anywhere. But right now, it made her angry, and she wasn't sure why.
There was another presence with her now. One that wanted to make itself more important. It weighed on her mind, speaking quickly as if she would stop listening at any moment.
He's going to hate you for this, the fragment whispered to her. You have become like him now. He'll fear your new powers. Don't let that deter you.
Elysia snapped awake, and she was in Kael's arms, his warmth spreading throughout her body.
She could hear the gem thrumming in his chest, and this time, it didn't bring her comfort. Instead, it made her angry. That fragment was the cause of everything.
Others had crowded around now, watching them with prying eyes.
"Hey," Kael said, placing a hand on her face.
