Richard sat in silence long after Raviel faded back into the shadows behind Akumo. The cave pulsed with dim, violet light, the glow of old runes etched across the floor. Every whisper of the darkness made him think—too much, too fast.
His thoughts ran around in circles.
Akumo…
Raviel…
Forbidden rituals.
Summoning monsters…
And above all—
Could Raviel read every thought that entered his mind?
It was an idea that wrapped around his spine like ice. Richard clenched his fists as he stared at the massive silhouette of the darkness-beast; Raviel's presence was like a mountain made of pure shadow. What if every doubt, each hesitation, each rebellious intention was already in Akumo's ears?
What if every ambition Richard buried deep inside himself… the ones even he feared…
was already disclosed?
As fear twisted beneath his ribs, Raviel turned his head, slowly, with the weight of a titan, and spoke in a low voice that felt like it came from inside Richard's mind.
