Aksai's subconscious was being pulled and dissolved into the waves.
He tried to stay awake, to stay whole—but the sea dragged at him like a thousand hands.
Meanwhile, back at the Enchanted Everwood Farm, Aksai's real body jerked.
"Aaaaargh!"
He let out a loud scream that echoed across the open fields.
His face turned red, veins showing under his skin, and his eyes darkened into an eerie shade of green.
Aether runes, glowing and alive, began crawling over his bare chest, arms, and neck like tiny creatures made of light.
Lini, who had been nearby, rushed to him the moment she heard the scream.
"Aksai, what… what is happening to you?" she cried out, dropping to her knees beside him.
She wanted to comfort him. Her hands reached for his shoulders, shaking him slightly. But before she could do more, a gentle hand stopped her.
It was Yelia.
She smiled softly, her eyes calm and full of knowing.
