I raised my hand and pointed at the panther. Essence swirled around its body, lifting it effortlessly into the air. My Psynapse thrummed with renewed power, and I saw the world with new clarity.
As the panther reached me, I pressed my palm over the its head and whispered.
"Submit."
My Essence responded—not with fury, but with force of will. A command, not a request.
From deep within me, the Null Heart answered.
The core in my chest flared to life, spinning faster and faster, a brilliant white engine of purpose. I felt it hum through my bones, through every fiber of my being.
Then, just like before, it stopped.
Everything froze.
The air. My heartbeat. Even thought itself paused, as if the world was waiting.
The silence was absolute.
And then the world fell away.
