After the display, the scattered versions of Merlin scattered into soft bursts of blue butterflies that drifted through the air before vanishing, leaving behind only the single figure who had introduced himself.
Ethan was directly staring at Merlin now. "Whose summon are you?"
Merlin tilted his head slightly, as if amused by the phrasing. "I have been bonded with the Prince, Alistair."
Ethan's gaze narrowed. "What does your summoner want?"
Merlin retained his smile. "He does not know I am here."
"That's not possible." Ethan said, looking stern.
Merlin's attention moved to the apparatus of extraction in the room. His gaze lingered there for a moment, then he spoke again.
"When a summon is called for the first time, the veil between the Well of the Undying and the realm of the living is torn open."
"With that tear," Merlin continued, "a passage is formed. One that allows the summoned spirit to cross over."
He turned his head slightly, glancing back at Ethan.
