It was all he could do was take Matoya's hand as she slumped, quietly accepting the power and wincing slightly at it -- as well as the realization that she intended her fate to be bestowed to him. His skin felt as if it were burning; yet the witches desire to release it slowly had meant it was not unbearable. He moved to the floor beside her, kneeling at her side and turning his back upon the witnesses. So this -- it was the truth. The reality. He shook his head lightly and closed her eyes, lightly brushing her hair from her eyes. And he raised her hand, lightly touching the back of his lips to it as he had before -- many months ago. Then he laid it across her chest, drawing back out of respect.

Soon enough, her body began to glow and dissipate into tiny pireflies; which each made toward the branches of the myrrh tree. His gaze followed them. And he experienced the power to see for the first time.

"...Stay on your guard."

Something was coming. He knew it.