King Gulben lifted his hand, and the Codex drifted upward as if obeying a command.
The tome floated toward him. Its thick black-leather surface cracking with faint pulses of crimson light.
When it reached him, he caught it firmly. Even in his grasp the crimson aura did not fade. If anything, it intensified and coiled around his arms.
"I have considered asking you to read this Codex with me for a long time, Saeldir. This decision isn't sudden, nor is it because of what happened recently. In truth… you were always the one who should see these pages first," King Gulben said with a smile at Saeldir.
"Let's take a look at this," he said in a voice steadier than before.
When he carried the book, Saeldir sensed a subtle shift. Some of the king's former strength returned. Like the power he once held before he was injured coming back.
His spine straightened, the tremble in his steps faded. The Codex was granting him power just by touching it.
