Despite his frustration at being unable to contact Maia and realizing he was trapped, Ethan clung to the only option he had left: his magical power. He felt the energy moving within him, waiting to be used, though he had no memory of how to wield it. He searched the office and everything surrounding him, looking into every corner, but there were no doors, windows, or visible exits. He was trapped in a confined space, and his only option seemed to be to make the most of that unfamiliar energy.
Thinking about how he could use it, Ethan came up with a different approach. If he could direct that energy to his eyes, he might reveal what was hidden in plain sight, confirming he was indeed in an illusion. Carefully, he began guiding the flow of energy to his eyes. It was hard to control, like trying to use a muscle he had never activated before. Finally, he managed to concentrate the energy in his eyes, but as he did, a piercing pain struck him.
