The flower's center was pitch black, like a bottomless hole, and from time to time, faint whispers escaped it — the silent echoes of screams that had long faded.
Within seconds, another bud appeared beside the first one, then another, and another.
One by one, more Flowers of Fear bloomed until more than ten floated gently on the vines, glowing faintly in the dark. Each flower was as large as a watermelon, swaying softly as if breathing.
The fear-filled energy around Aksai began to lessen. The heavy feeling in the air started to fade.
Encouraged by the result, Aksai moved to the next step. He extended his hand again. Each new vine he touched bloomed into a different kind of flower.
First came the Flowers of Pain, their petals red and black, resembling bruised flesh. They emitted a low hum that seemed to vibrate through the air, echoing the agony of broken bones and torn flesh.
