The Man’s Decree – Chapter 6004

"l... I don't know what you're talking about," Quentin stammered, teeth clicking. "Sidney... Cadence... They broke the Divine Oracle, descended without leave..."

His voice cracked, clinging to practiced lines. The air popped, sharp as splitting ice.

Jared tapped Quentin's shoulder with that glowing fingertip. Nothing burst, nothing splintered. Instead, flesh, bone, and robe browned, cracked, and sifted away until a fist-sized hollow gaped at the joint. It was as if that piece had never belonged to him.

"Argh!" The scream ripped from somewhere deeper than lungs. The sound carried the pitch of a soul being carved.

The chaotic force gnawed at his life's core, Jared felt its sour hum against his palm. Gray threads burrowed deeper, seeking the very spark that kept Quentin tethered to the chair.