Lucian climbed out of the crater.
He was unrecognizable.
He had gotten taller. Bulkier. Smoke rose from his body. His clothes were burned up, hanging off him in pieces.
He looked down at his hands, watching the smoke flow from them—like they were still burning.
"What… happened?" he whispered, his voice soft and filled with disbelief. There was confusion in his tone—but also fear, like he no longer recognized himself.
Then he looked at Sylas.
His eyes widened—like he was seeing a god. Or something even greater.
Ana looked at her brother, confused.
It was the same look she had when Sylas fought that monster. Shock. Stillness. Something worse than fear.
The people standing around them began to back away, slowly. Like they were afraid.
Seeing this, the king stepped forward and raised his voice.
"Everyone, return to your homes. Now."
No one argued.
They turned and left, quietly.
Lucian took a few shaky steps toward his father.
"Father…"
Right then, his legs gave out.
