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Theron's gaze swept over the machinery, eyes narrowing. "And this works better than direct transfer? I've read they can be shared through skin contact."

"It can work in a pinch." Vexa smirked. "However, direct contact through the skin is not recommended."

Effie bit back a laugh.

I was just about to ask what joke we weren't clued in on before Mira spoke up.

"So how exactly does it work?" she asked, moving closer to examine one of the channels. Her usual haunted expression had given way to genuine curiosity.

"The shadows flow through these pathways," Effie explained, tracing the intricate patterns with her finger. "Each channel leads to a different point where a vessel can receive them. The runes help control the flow, make the connection stronger."

"I've been working on forging a portable version," Vexa added. "But for now, this is the most reliable method."

"You'll understand more once the process starts." Aether's voice came from the shadows near the wall. "Fia, take the center. The rest of you, position yourselves at the connection points."

My heart thundered as I stepped onto the platform.

"The void burns act like pathways," Vexa explained as the others moved into position. "They're marks from the Void itself—permanent channels that allow vessels to absorb and hold the shadows. Once they are absorbed, you will be able to wield them."

Metal restraints clicked softly as they locked into place around the recruits' wrists. Lael's eyes were wide with anticipation, whileTheron maintained his analytical calm. Mira's face had gone carefully blank.

"How many can you do at once?" Lael asked, his voice betraying his nerves.

"Six," Rethlyn answered. "Any more and the connection becomes unstable."

I eyed the contraption warily. The metal seemed to drink in what little light reached this deep into the Citadel, and something about those channels made my skin prickle. "What do I need to do?"

"Just stand in the center," Rethlyn said, gesturing to a circular platform. "And try calling the shadows. They should respond naturally."

"Should?" Theron asked, arching an eyebrow.

"The Void left its instructions." Aether's voice came from the shadows near the wall. "They're written into her now, whether she realizes it or not."

I stepped onto the platform, trying to ignore how everyone's attention was fixed on me. The metal felt cold beneath my boots.

"Just like that?" I asked. "Just... call them?"

"You'll know what to do," Vexa said softly. "Trust yourself."

I closed my eyes, expecting to have to search for the shadows like I did with my web. But the moment I opened myself to them, they surged forward eagerly, as if they'd been waiting all this time. Dark tendrils spilled from my skin, flowing like liquid night into the channels at my feet.

"Esprithe," Lael breathed.

My eyes shot down to find the entire contraption alive, the symbols seeming to pulse as the shadows touched them. They moved through the pathways with purpose, filling each groove until the floor looked like a maze of flowing darkness.

"Well…" Vexa grinned. "Looks like someone's a natural."

"Can you feel them?" Mira asked. "The shadows, I mean. Do they... respond to you?"

I nodded, unable to find the right words to explain how natural it felt. Like flexing a muscle I hadn't known I had.

"How long will they last?" Mira asked as the shadows began reaching for her burns.

"Depends on how much you use them," Vexa said. "Some can last weeks—months even. But only with this method. The runes allow for full absorption. A direct transfer might only last a day or two."

"The last time the Queen performed a letting, it was quite potent, so the ones we retain have lasted a while. Which is a blessing, truly. With her being in such a delicate position, I think it became clear she wouldn't be able to keep doing this," Rethlyn added in slowly, shooting me a grin. "And now she doesn't have to."

I watched as my shadows found each recruit in turn, seeping into their skin through the marks the Void had left. Theron's breath became heavy, fingers curling against the restraints. Mira's eyes widened as the darkness followed the patterns of her burns. When they reached Lael, he let out a small gasp.