You’re becoming stronger, I whispered, my voice hardly audible in the dark din. That’s why I’m seeing your memories. I may not be getting weaker like Emory, but I’m… fading. A lump rose in my throat. That’s my degeneration, isn’t it? He said nothing, his jagged teeth clicking as he clamped and unclamped his jaw. Click. Click. Click. It’s my payment, I said, filled with biting clarity. Every time I ask for your help, you grow stronger. And I’m—I’m losing control. I told you, child, he said, nothing is free. Nothing is safe. Magic always comes at a cost. Yes, but I didn’t realize that meant you
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