"It's enough for today. You have duties, and you've been gone too long. It's not good for your body." Acrymonta's words lingered in the air, heavy with finality. Before Delvin could respond, the figure dissolved into nothingness, vanishing as he always did when pressed for answers.
Frustration welled up inside Delvin. Acrymonta's evasions were maddening, yet familiar. Hopelessly, he let his energy condense, the ethereal density pulling him back into the weight of flesh. His awareness folded inward until he found himself once more seated in his body.
He remained still, eyes closed, unwilling to break the fragile comfort of his meditation. Bliss and ecstasy coursed through him—his body, mind, and soul vibrating with the residue of transcendence. He wanted to savor it, to stretch the moment as far as it would go.
A knock at the door interrupted the silence. Delvin opened his eyes slowly, reluctant to leave the cocoon of calm. He waited, then spoke with measured ease: "Come in."
