Oblivion's Throne

The fire crackled, casting flickering shadows against the massive tree roots as Orion sat hunched over the dwindling flames. His body ached with exhaustion, his ribs throbbing in protest with every shallow breath. He forced down another bite of the seared meat, the taste of blood still clinging to his tongue despite the charred exterior.

Then, it happened.

A sharp vibration pulsed against his chest.

Orion froze, his hand instinctively gripping the locket hanging from his neck. It pulsed again, stronger this time. The metal grew warmer, not unbearably so, but enough to make his skin prickle. A faint hum resonated from within.

His breath hitched.

It had only done this before in his vision.

Was the condition for it to activate for him to be dying?

Was the meat poisonous?

How could Varun not inform me of this?

Is he trying to assasinate me?

The vibration intensified, and suddenly, a pulse of energy rippled through his body. His vision blurred, a searing light flashing behind his eyes. He gasped, his grip tightening on the locket as his entire being was engulfed in a sensation unlike anything he had ever experienced. It wasn't physical pain, but something deeper—something that reached into the marrow of his bones.