The morning after, I woke to find the Ring lying quietly on the floor by the door, but now it had a strange new mark on it, emitting a faint glow.
"Mortal," Sauron's voice echoed in my mind, tinged with mockery and displeasure. "Your actions last night were quite eye-opening. Too bad the Ring's influence will not lessen due to your ridiculous antics."
I reached down to pick up the Ring, a sense of unease creeping over me. "Sauron, what's this mark?"
"It's a sign of the Ring's disturbance," Sauron answered coldly. "It is resonating with your actions. You're far too naïve, mortal. This will only bring more trouble."
"Is that so?" I rolled my eyes, slipped the Ring back onto my finger, and murmured, "Like you said, I've already caused enough trouble. What's one more?"
Ariana's voice came from behind me. "Who are you talking to?"
I turned to see her leaning against the doorframe, her arms crossed, her expression a mixture of suspicion and concern.
