**"It… it called me 'brother' again." There was a pause. "That's a sign it's remembering." Ming Ji's voice was tense, but more hopeful now. "The connection is strengthening… and so is its will to be free."**
Jin drew in a breath, focusing on the light inside him. His aura flared again, warm and unwavering as it wove into Ming Ji's shadow, keeping him grounded.
And as it did…
The Wraith stood straighter, eyes focused on Ming Ji now, like a lost child finally finding home.
**"It's… I can see it in its eyes." Ming Ji's voice was tense and yet… almost reverent now. "It's… recognizing me. Not as a weapon or a tool like they made it—but as something close and familiar."**
Jin watched as the bond between them grew stronger. The Wraith was still shaking and crying—but no longer with anger or chaos.
It was *letting out* pain.
And Ming Ji…
He wasn't *just* stabilizing it.
He was *helping it heal.*
