Nakht's glowing red eyes lingered on Irynefer, his gaze penetrating as if he could see straight into her soul. The playful, almost mischievous smirk he had worn before was replaced by a more serious expression. Despite the heat that still flushed her cheeks, Irynefer forced herself to meet his gaze, determined not to let him see how rattled she was.
"You've been thrown into a world you don't understand," Nakht began, his voice smooth, almost soothing, as he broke the silence. "But that doesn't mean you have to be its prey. Here, strength isn't just about power. It's about control. Control of your mind, your emotions, and your desires."
Irynefer swallowed, feeling a lump in her throat. He was right. She had been reacting more than acting, letting this world and its strange inhabitants dictate her feelings. If she was to find her footing, she needed to take control.
"How?" she asked, her voice barely more than a whisper. "How do I control it?"
Nakht's grin returned, softer this time. He reached out, his fingers lightly brushing her temple. His touch was cold but not unpleasant, sending a shiver down her spine. "You start by understanding that your thoughts are not private here. This realm amplifies your deepest desires and fears, making them more tangible. It would help if you learned to shield them, to cloak your mind so that others can't easily read you. It's like pulling a curtain over a window. You still see what's outside, but don't let anyone see in."
He stepped back, his eyes still holding hers. "But that's just the beginning. Control isn't just about hiding. It's about mastering your reactions. In time, with practice, you can learn to project what you want others to see and feel to influence their perceptions. It's a powerful tool."
The idea of not just protecting her thoughts but using them as a weapon was intriguing. Irynefer had always felt powerless, tossed about by the events in her life, a victim to circumstances and her own emotions. Could she really learn to wield her mind like a blade, cutting through the darkness of this realm?
She glanced at Userkaf's retreating figure. He was almost at the door, his back to them, but she could sense his presence still anchored in the room, like a steady, silent force. His patience and calmness now seemed like the result of years of mastering what Nakht was describing.
"Why are you telling me this?" Irynefer asked Nakht, suspicion creeping into her voice. "What do you gain from helping me?"
Nakht laughed softly, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Let's just say I find you... interesting, Irynefer. I have a soft spot for interesting things. Besides," he added, his tone taking on a more serious edge, "this realm is unpredictable. Alliances are always useful, especially with someone who has the potential to be as powerful as you."
Irynefer blinked, caught off guard. Her? Powerful? She had never seen herself that way. But the way Nakht spoke, it was as if he saw something in her that she couldn't see in herself.
Nakht turned away, moving toward the fireplace with a casual grace. He reached out, his fingers trailing along the edge of the mantel, and a flicker of energy sparked from his touch, making the flames flare briefly. "You'll need to learn quickly," he said, not looking back at her. "The void isn't the only thing to fear here. There are other beings, other forces, that will test you. Some will try to break you to see how far you can bend before you snap. If you're not prepared, they'll tear you apart."
His words sent a chill down her spine, but they also ignited a spark of determination. She wasn't going to let this realm break her. She had already been through hell and endured pain and loss that had nearly destroyed her. Whatever this place threw at her, she would face it head-on.
"Teach me," she said, her voice firm. "Help me learn to control my mind and my thoughts. I want to be ready."
Nakht turned, his glowing eyes meeting hers. For a moment, he said nothing, simply studying her with that intense, unblinking gaze. Then, he nodded slowly. "Very well. I'll teach you what I can. But remember, Irynefer, power is a double-edged sword. It can protect you but also destroy you if you're not careful."
"I understand," she replied, even as she knew she had only scratched the surface of what this place was truly about.
Nakht's grin returned, wider this time, and he inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment. "Good. I'll begin your training soon. Until then," he added with a sly wink, "try to keep your thoughts a little more... private. I'd hate for anyone else to get the wrong idea about your intentions."
With that, Nakht dissolved into the shadows, his form blurring and vanishing as if he had never been there. Irynefer was left alone in the study.