The gem flares with blinding violet light.

When it fades, you are still standing. Your heart beats. Your lungs draw breath. But something fundamental has changed. You feel the other founders inside you now – their knowledge, their power, their rage. And beneath it all, the hollow space where your soul used to be.

“It’s done.”

Seraphine’s voice is quieter now. Defeated. Trapped.

“You have your immortality, Varek. Your stolen centuries. But know this – I wove something into the gem before you silenced me. A failsafe you can’t unravel.”

The gem pulses, and for a moment the square around you shifts – you see it as it will be, centuries hence. Different buildings. Different faces. But the gem remains. Always the gem.

“A child will come. Born of this light, shaped by Thornwen’s prophecy. And when they do, I will show them everything. Every betrayal. Every broken promise. Every soul you devoured – including your own.”

You smile. It feels wrong on your face now. Too wide. Too empty.

“Then I’ll wait. I’ve waited before. I can wait again.”

You turn your back on the gem. You walk away.

But Seraphine’s voice follows you, quieter now, almost sad:

“You don’t understand, Varek. You never did. The child won’t just see what you’ve done.”

You pause.

“They’ll see what you are. The hollow thing you’ve become. And so will you.”