Richard sat on the cold stone floor long after Akumo left him alone with his thoughts. The cavern felt larger than before, as if even the shadows themselves were holding their breaths. His mind churned with doubt, confusion, and this strange, rising fear he couldn't completely name.
Control my body. his spirit inside me. half his soul mixed into mine.
"I cannot die," he whispered. "Not again … not like that."
He took a long breath and then walked back into the deeper chamber where Akumo and Raviel were waiting. Akumo, seated on a black stone throne, lifted his head with a smirk.
"You look troubled, Richard."
"I am." Richard stepped closer. "I don't understand this technique. You said you'd put your spirit inside me. If you do that… I'll die, won't I?"
For a moment, the cavern was quiet.
Akumo threw his head back and laughed then.
The old man's laughter echoed across the walls—sharp, mocking, almost cruel.
"Die?" Akumo barked. "Child, you forget what you are."
