The hospital room felt sterile and small, the rhythmic beeping of machines a mocking soundtrack to Ethan's burgeoning power. Corvus, perched on the windowsill, his obsidian eyes gleaming, was a far more compelling distraction.

"Alright, Blackwood," Corvus croaked, breaking the silence. "Time to see what you're working with. Gentle now. Wouldn't want to rip a hole in this flimsy reality."