Seven days later, in the secret chamber beneath the castle.
Ian had personally arranged the secret chamber. Its walls were inscribed with silvery-white Runes that, upon closer inspection, seemed to be flowing slowly.
In the center of the floor, a circular Array three meters in diameter had been drawn with dark red Refined Gold Powder.
The Array's lines were complex, with ancient Runes representing stability, containment, and transformation nested in the center.
Latour sat cross-legged in the very center of the Array, his upper body bare.
After seven days of medicinal baths and conditioning with Magic Potions, his once lean body had filled out noticeably.
His eyes were closed and his breathing was steady and deep, but his hands, folded on his knees, were slightly tensed, the veins on their backs faintly visible.
Ian stood at the edge of the Array, silent.
Even Gaga on his shoulder was uncharacteristically quiet, its gaze fixed on the center of the Array.
