Night passed slowly.
Alex remained where he had collapsed, his hand still resting weakly on Hati's warm fur.
The wolf stayed loyally by his side, unmoving, offering what comfort he could.
As dawn broke, pale sunlight crept into the cave.
It slid across the blood-soaked stone,
catching the jagged ice spikes on the ceiling.
They glittered faintly,
like diamonds in a tomb.
By midday, the light had grown stronger
but the silence in the cave remained unchanged.
Until Alex's eyes fluttered open.
Tear streaks marked his dirt-smeared face.
His white hair was matted with sweat.
Slowly, he reached inside himself.
Only two and a half rings… out of five.
Still not enough…
Gritting his teeth, he stimulated the energy,
and a warm green-gold glow rushed through his body.
The pain flared briefly then dulled.
His internal organs began to knit back together,
flesh slowly filling the gaping hole.
The edges of the wound sealed partway
—but before it could fully close,
