Bruce's voice echoed through the dark space for a few moments before fading away.
The eyes of the being that had opened stared out, unfocused, as their dim intensity slowly sharpened. An indeterminate stretch of time passed before a voice rang out through the space once more, different this time, belonging to the figure itself.
"Ah, it's you. I'd almost forgotten you existed."
The voice was hoarse, a little broken, as if the being were learning to speak in that very moment. The words came slow, as though it were weighing each one carefully, making sure of what it meant to say.
None of this seemed to trouble Bruce, who remained silent, as if silence alone said everything that needed saying.
The being didn't speak again right away either, seeming to mull something over before opening its mouth once more.
