The golden glow around Aleck's arm pulsed once—steady, controlled, as if it had always been part of him. The shift was subtle, but undeniable. Everyone could feel it. The air shimmered faintly with heat, not burning, but warm… radiant.
Aranea watched quietly as he flexed his fingers, as though adjusting to a new layer of skin. His eyes were distant, thoughtful, but no longer afraid.
"You good?" Zann asked, eyebrows raised.
Aleck didn't answer. Instead, he stepped past the group and headed toward the empty space of their house, making sure that no one is near him as he focused on himself.
Irving followed a few steps before stopping. "Give him space," he murmured to the others. "He needs this."
Aleck inhaled deeply. The air here always burned a little, but now… it soothed. The heat wrapped around him like an old friend he hadn't realized he'd been missing. The resonation started to be in sync with him. He felt his magic rumble in harmony with his breath.
He closed his eyes.
