William floated deep within the lake, his body utterly still as he concentrated on drawing in the soul essence around him. The water was cold, pressing against his skin like an unseen presence, but he didn't mind. He had grown used to it.
Three days had passed since the incident with the boy, and to William's relief, the academy had shown no signs of suspicion. It seemed likely they weren't even aware the boy was missing. After all, the boy was from Military Academy 5, where the heretics attacked recently. Perhaps they thought the boy had simply been another casualty.
William dismissed the thought. Dwelling on what might happen was pointless. His focus now was on the shadow crystal, which was still forming deep within his body.
