**********
The aqua ripples surged forward, forming a flawless, translucent sphere. Randy was lifted from the ground as the water closed around him, cutting off air, sound, and sensation.
He thrashed—but Aqua was not liquid to be resisted.
It was authority.
Moments later, his body went limp.
The sphere dissolved gently, lowering him to the ground, unconscious but alive.
The young master turned to the other healer who had collapsed earlier under the divine pressure.
"Wake up," he said evenly. "It's finished. You don't want to end up like him, right?"
The healer's eyes snapped open.
Taros inhaled sharply, stood as if compelled, then brushed himself off. His gaze rose to the young master—and froze when he saw the sigil upon the young master's forehead.
The Tidebound Warden sigil glowed clearly now.
