"Was that pattern energy I saw coming from Jayden during the test?"
"Yes." Alex's tone turns exasperated. "How you work with invisible energy and not kill yourself is a miracle. I make you part able to ken like me. That's how I sense pattern energy. Is through—it's through your synesthesia."
Huh. There are upsides to having an alien intelligence in your head.
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"So, uh, your people…did you—" On second thought, it's impolite to ask if their people destroyed their universe through pattern magic. "Did you have warning?"
"Yes. Some. Not enough."
"What happened? That is," you say, "if you're willing to talk about it."
"I need concept for what happened. I saw a flash in your mind."
Based on the icy, tickling sensation that fills your head, Alex is rummaging around in your brain. "Hey!" you yelp. "Ground rules! No digging through my mind like it's an old sock drawer!"
The icy feeling drains away. "Sorry." Alex is abashed. "Did not think to ask permission."
"Well, do!" They may live in your head, but you still need privacy.
"I found concept I needed. The Vastness destroyed my people."
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