Chapter 26: Awakening II

Arthur stood in the center, hand resting on the Aether crystal, his eyes closed, consciousness seemingly elsewhere. Those gathered around him watched with growing concern. At first, there had been excitement and pride—they all believed Arthur was being summoned by a god, ready to receive a divine blessing. But as the minutes stretched to thirty, their joy turned to unease. Awakenings never took this long, and an ominous feeling began to settle over the room.

Attempts to pull him back only intensified their worry, as they discovered an invisible barrier surrounding him, an impenetrable dome that prevented anyone from even touching him. Fear crept in as they wondered if his consciousness be trapped by a evil deity? 

Ilyana fidgeted nervously, unable to contain her anxiety. "What's happening? Why isn't Arthur waking up?"

Lucious shook his head. "I don't know. This is… unprecedented."