I stood still for a moment, staring at the glittering mound of aether crystals before me.
A smile tugged at my lips—no, I was beaming.
This wasn't like the time Ebon tossed me aether crystals like they were Halloween candy, scattered bribes for survival. No, this… this was different.
These weren't gifted. They were earned.
A reward for unraveling the illusion, for pulling apart the threads of Malthorn's fabricated dreamscape. This time, I'd fought my way through the haze, the deceit, the heartache—and I had something to show for it.
More importantly… this was something I could use.
It was finally time to awaken.
Yet, even in the midst of my private celebration, I could feel something tugging at my attention. A prickling on the back of my neck.
Someone was watching me.
Turning slightly, I caught sight of Seren. She stood a short distance away, arms folded, a faint scowl painted across her face. Her crimson eyes weren't just observing me—they were practically glaring daggers.
