The next morning, Ariana hadn't returned yet, and I was lounging alone on the couch, staring blankly at the TV. Although I had promised to "stay inside more," all I could think about were the rift creature from yesterday and the panicked people fleeing the mall.
"Mortal," Soren's voice suddenly cut through my thoughts, cold as always. "If you keep idly sitting here, you'll only become the bait for hunters."
"What do you want now?" I replied irritably.
"Increase your control over the ring," Soren commanded, his tone firm and unyielding. "Either you control it, or wait for it to consume you."
"That's just what Ariana said last night." I rolled my eyes. "Why do you two sound like you're reading from the same script?"
