Osa could feel it happening—some essential energy flowing from himself into Radji, replenishing what the Soul Drainer had stolen. The sensation wasn't painful, but he could feel his own strength diminishing slightly as Radji's seemed to grow. It reminded him of pouring water from one vessel into another, except the water was life itself.
Beneath Osa's touch, Radji's eyelids fluttered. His breathing deepened, and a hint of color returned to his cheeks.
"Enough," Master Damian said quietly, placing a restraining hand on Osa's shoulder. "Any more would weaken you too greatly."
Reluctantly, Osa withdrew his hand. The flow of energy ceased, but the sense of connection remained—a subtle awareness of Radji's presence that hadn't existed before. The mark on his chest cooled to a comfortable warmth once more.
"What just happened?" Osa asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
"The Triumvirate bond grows stronger," Master Damian replied. "What was merely symbolic is becoming literal—you are becoming connected in ways that transcend physical proximity."
Before Osa could ask more questions, the infirmary door opened again. Saguna entered, followed by Amira Loma, whose eyes widened slightly as she saw her brother's improved condition.
"He looks better," she observed, moving quickly to Radji's side. "His color has returned."
Master Damian and Osa exchanged a brief glance, an unspoken agreement to keep what had just occurred between them.
"Professor Nyala's treatment is taking effect," Master Damian said smoothly. "Though his recovery will still require time and patience."
Amira took Radji's hand, studying his face with sisterly concern. "Our parents are determined to take him home," she said quietly. "Father is completing the withdrawal forms now."
"That would be... inadvisable," Master Damian replied carefully.
"Because of what's happening with the Veil?" Amira asked, causing both Osa and Saguna to stare at her in shock.
Master Damian's expression revealed nothing. "I'm not certain what you're referring to, Miss Loma."
Amira's gaze remained steady. "I work in the Archives Division of the Meridian Council. Recently, we've been cataloging unusual incidents throughout the domains—phenomena that correspond with the old warnings about the thinning of the Veil. When I learned Radji was involved in an 'incident' here..." She trailed off, letting the implication hang in the air.
A silent moment passed as Master Damian seemed to reconsider his approach. "Perhaps," he said finally, "you could help your parents understand that removing your brother from the Academy at this time would not be in his best interest. For reasons that cannot be fully explained to those without... proper clearance."
Amira nodded slowly. "I suspected as much." She turned to Saguna and Osa. "You two are involved in this as well, aren't you? The three of you together?"
Before either could formulate a response, a soft groan came from the bed. Radji's eyelids fluttered open, his gaze unfocused at first. "What... happened?" he managed, his voice weak and raspy.
"Radji!" Amira exclaimed, squeezing his hand. "You're awake!"
His eyes slowly focused on his sister's face. "Amira? Why are you here?" His gaze shifted, taking in the infirmary, then widening as he noticed Osa and Saguna. "The shadow..." he whispered, fragments of memory returning.
"Don't exert yourself," Master Damian advised. "You're safe now, but you need rest."
"My parents?" Radji asked, awareness continuing to return.
"They're here," Amira confirmed. "They want to withdraw you from the Academy, Radji. They're worried."
A flash of alarm crossed Radji's face. "No," he said with unexpected firmness. "I can't leave. Not now." His hand moved unconsciously to his forearm where the mark lay hidden. "There's something I need to understand... something important."
The infirmary door opened again, and Mr. and Mrs. Loma entered, followed by Professor Nyala. Mr. Loma froze momentarily when he saw his son awake, then rushed forward.
"Radji! Thank the domains you're awake," he said, relief evident in his voice. "Don't worry, son. We're taking you home today. Away from this place."
"Father, I don't want to leave," Radji replied, his voice weak but determined.
"You don't understand," his father insisted. "Something dangerous happened to you here. These people cannot be trusted with your safety."
"With respect, sir," Radji said, struggling to sit up, "I'm not a child. I chose the Imperial Academy for specific reasons, and one incident doesn't change that."
"An incident that nearly killed you!" his father exclaimed.
"Mr. Loma," Professor Nyala interjected calmly, "your son is right. He is of age to make this decision himself. And I assure you, we are taking extraordinary measures to ensure nothing like this happens again."
"Measures like what?" Mrs. Loma asked, speaking for the first time. "How can you guarantee our son's safety?"
Professor Nyala's gaze moved subtly toward Osa and Saguna before returning to Radji's parents. "Some security details must remain confidential, but I can assure you that what occurred was an isolated incident that is being addressed at the highest levels of Academy administration."
Mr. Loma seemed unconvinced, but Radji spoke again, his voice growing stronger. "Father, I need to stay. This is important—more important than you know."
"Listen to him, Father," Amira added quietly.
The tension in the room was palpable as Mr. Loma looked between his children, conflict evident in his expression. Finally, his shoulders sagged slightly. "Fine. Three days. You have three days to recover fully and show us that this place is worthy of our trust. If not, we're taking you home regardless of your objections."
Relief washed over Radji's face. "Thank you, Father."
As the conversation turned to Radji's medical care, Saguna found himself drawn to the window, gazing out at the Academy grounds. The sun had fully risen now, casting long shadows across the courtyard. In the distance, the sealed well in the Tranquility Garden stood as a silent reminder of the danger they had faced—and would face again.
The whispers that had plagued him throughout his life seemed different now, less threatening somehow. They were still there, at the edges of his awareness, but now they felt almost like guidance rather than torment.
The triangle forms... the bond strengthens... but the shadows grow deeper...
He turned back to see Osa watching him, a question in his eyes. Saguna met Osa's gaze, held it for a heartbeat, then gave a slight nod. Something unspoken passed between them—a promise, perhaps, or a recognition that whatever waited on the other side of tomorrow, neither would face it alone.