Karyan's form shrank and twisted as he stepped through the portal, the majestic and terrifying figure he had been in the serpent realm receding like a shadow at dawn.
When he emerged in his bedroom, he was once again a boy, his small frame hitting the floor with a soft thud.
He lay there, breathing heavily, when Reverie burst through the door, her face flushed with anger and concern.
"What was that back there?" she demanded, her hands on her hips.
Karyan sat up, brushing a lock of hair from his eyes. "Calm down, Reverie. It was nothing."
"Nothing? You nearly killed him! That's not the Karyan I know."
He shrugged. "He challenged us. I showed him our power."
Reverie paced the room, frustration was radiating from her. "You enjoyed it. That's what scares me. Since when did you become so heartless?"
Karyan looked at her, "Emotions are a weakness, Reverie. You know that."
"I don't understand you. This isn't you."
