The flames burned fiercely. In the realm of the mind, pain was often the most dangerous thing.
It signaled instability. The body could recover, but the mind could not heal so quickly.
And all living things feared burning.
Not merely the pain it brought.
The blurred vision caused by intense heat.
The damage smoke did to the lungs.
The anxiety of unrelenting pain, and the panic and despair of impending death.
Few creatures could endure that combination.
After all, even Void could burn. It was liquid, not actual water.
Lin Jin's flames scorched without mercy. In pain, the tendrils recoiled frantically, the space began to collapse, and a soundless roar rang out.
Lin Jin successfully escaped that mental realm.
But he knew perfectly well that what he had just done would draw even more of the Void's attention. He might not be so lucky next time.
"That's twice now. Please, don't let there be a third." Lin Jin muttered to himself as he wearily opened his eyes.
He had gone to sleep to rest, yet woke up even more exhausted. He really had nothing to say to that.
He stretched his joints, making them crack, and yawned. That had been one exhausting nap. Only when he brushed a hand over the blanket covering him did he realize he was sleeping in a bed.
"Is all of this made from silk? Looks like Herrah really is grateful to me."
He rubbed his eyes. Once his vision cleared, he found himself face-to-face with several Vessels.
The little ones said nothing, simply sitting there. The others lay sprawled over and around him.
The largest of them leaned forward and hugged Lin Jin. Then a voice sounded in his mind.
"Sibling is awake. Did sibling dream?" There was a hint of concern in its