Ethan's eyes widened once again.
Alistair was completely dumbfounded.
Meanwhile, Merlin hurriedly tore open the buttons of his shirt, revealing what looked like a black tattoo rapidly forming across his chest.
It resembled a demonic skull with long, curved horns, and flame-like accents curling upward from either side. Its hollow eye sockets gave it an unsettling appearance.
The sigil glowed briefly, then the light faded.
Merlin let out a slow sigh before rising to his feet.
Turning toward Ethan, he asked, "Why have I received the Spirit King's mark?"
Ethan looked at him. "Merlin, I can barely explain why what just happened unfolded the way it did. Matter of fact, I didn't even apply that mark myself."
He let out a sigh. "But something tells me your spell will fail if that mark isn't there."
Merlin stared at him for a moment before lowering his head with an exhausted sigh. When he looked up again, the familiar smile had returned to his face.
