All three elves stared at him, each showing a different emotion.
Aurelya's face was a mix of shock, pride, and quiet awe.
Thessalia's calm eyes gleamed with curiosity.
Vaenyra's gaze, however, was steady, filled with something warmer. Not just admiration, but pride… the kind one held for someone dear.
Lumberling met her eyes, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "That's the idea," he said softly. "But it's not as simple as it sounds. Power like this always comes with a price."
Thessalia folded her arms. "Of course it does. No strength worth having ever comes free."
Lumberling nodded slightly. "When I devour essence, I don't just take their power," he explained. "I also take their memories. Their emotions. Sometimes… even fragments of who they were."
The air grew still.
