The ambient light inside the Sanctuary dimmed as a spatial rift tore through the center of the command deck. Glitch padded out of the swirling void, its black fur bristling with contained energy.
The anomaly hopped lightly onto the main console, fixing its emerald eyes on Rubedo.
Rubedo leaned forward on his throne. Glitch opened its maw, releasing a concentrated stream of golden hard-light magic directly into Rubedo's chest.
The familiar, searing heat of his own stolen essence flooded his veins. The golden magic rushed through his neural pathways, attempting to mend the jagged edges of his metaphysical trauma.
However, the sensation quickly stagnated. Because Julian and Julia's magic was deeply intertwined, extracting only the brother's power left the returning energy hollow and lopsided.
The fragmented essence failed to fully crystallize within his core.
A holographic interface flickered to life in front of his eyes, casting a blue glow over the dark command deck.
