Even though his face was still recognizably Akrion’s, the rest of him was not. His skin had turned to dark crimson scales that shimmered faintly under the light, and a curved horn split his forehead, glowing with a dull inner fire.
“Soriel,” he growled the moment he stepped into the tribe. “Where is Soriel?”
His scarlet eyes swept the place, unblinking, unbothered by the stares fixed on him. None of the Blue Tribe dared to move.
“Are you deaf?” he roared, voice echoing through the settlement. “Call Soriel immediately!”
No one answered.
“Vael Akrion?” one of the younger women finally managed, her tone trembling. “Is that… truly you? What happened to…”
Her voice faltered, turning soft, almost sorrowful, as if pity had replaced fear. Whatever she saw standing before her, it was not the man she remembered.
Akrion’s jaw tightened.
“Stop asking questions and bring me Soriel,” he snapped. His gaze turned toward the largest structure in the settlement. “And gather everyone. We’re leaving at once!”
The girl flinched, vanishing into the crowd to carry out his order.
I narrowed my focus on him, trying to reach through the invisible thread that should have tied him to me. Even the nonbeliever Velmoryns were supposed to be connected to me. But there was nothing.
What?
I tried again, but there was no response. No whisper of divine presence, no faint pulse of connection.
I can’t sense him. How is that possible? Did I lose my Authority?
The unease crept in as I checked my status window, but nothing had changed there.
That leaves only one explanation - it's Akrion who has changed…
I decided to stop speculating and turned to the only thing that could provide answers.
Guidance.
[Undefined Species!]
This mortal has accepted the essence of another god, transforming into a new, undefined species. In exchange for this transformation, they have forfeited the ability to reproduce.