"Okay. According to what Tom said, the heart on its own would be wasted if it was just used by itself, because it would be difficult to absorb the pure bloodline essence cleanly. The egg would likely reject most of it or let it dissipate. So first, I build a medium that lets it draw the essence in gradually."
Moon began placing the ingredients into a second, larger container. "Start with a base solution. A spirit-nurturing liquid to hold everything in suspension and keep the essences from clashing."
He poured a shimmering, faintly luminous fluid into the container, filling it partway.
"Then a stabilizing agent, so the heart's essence doesn't overwhelm the shell all at once." He dropped in a pale crystalline shard that dissolved slowly into the solution, the liquid taking on a soft glow. "Tom was clear about this part. Rush it and everything fails, patience is the whole point."
Next, he drew out the true elf's heart, the crimson organ resting gently in his palm.
