Focusing through the swirling confusion, I glanced down at the discolored sand beneath my feet and asked the first question that came to mind. “Why does the sand I touch turn black?”

It wasn't as dark as before, now a dim yellow, but it stood out sharply against the blinding gold around us.

Silence stretched for a moment before the sand started gathering in a ball, twisting and swirling. When it grew to my height, a brilliant flash blinded me. Blinking away the spots, I found Time standing where the sand had been.

Not a single grain clung to him despite the cloud surrounding him. With a flick of his hand, the cloud dropped to rest between our feet.

“Questions are easier to answer when I am like this,” He said, looking down at the sand. “As for that, the answer is simple. This world reacts to the emotions of anyone who resides in it, visitor or resident. The sand turned black due to a strong negative emotion on your part.”

Flashes of the nightmare painted behind my eyelids. Old pain twisted, writhing like a snake in my chest like a snake, and the sand darkened again. I took a deep breath and forced thoughts of the past–of her–away.

“Right, I guess that makes sense. Sorry if that messed up your home.” I wouldn't appreciate it if someone dropped a bucket of black paint all over my yard. Hopefully, it would fade once he dropped me back on Nexus.

Time hummed, unconcerned. “There is no damage done. Once you leave, the sand will revert to its natural color. I am almost finished turning back Nexus. Once that is done, you will return.”

Then it would be time to get to work. Silas would be my top priority, and after him, there was the apocalypse to figure out, not to mention whatever that idiot summoned.

My head ached just thinking about my ever-growing to-do list. I pressed a hand to my forehead, hoping to ease the pressure.

Through the building ache, I felt the weight of Time's stare. It settled on me like a heavy stone, and when it didn't lift after a minute, I met his gaze.

He didn't look away or appear embarrassed. Instead, his gaze dug deeper, as if he were searching for something.

Unease slid up my spine and I cleared my throat. "Is something wrong?"

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He didn't break his stare, not even to blink, and the silence dragged on. I shifted in place, discomfort growing with every second. Just as I moved to say something–anything to shatter the suffocating silence–Time spoke.

"Karma saw something in you. Something that made her take you as a Chosen. It isn't often she extends that trust to a human, but she is wise. I will not question her judgment.” His tone was neutral, without a hint of what he was thinking. My skin crawled in response and I rubbed the back of my head.

“Okay?”

Why was he telling me this now? I would've thought he'd have said it back when he first learned I was Karma's Chosen…

Time didn't comment despite being able to read my thoughts. The stare-off continued, tension thick in the air. Until finally, he continued.

“Know this, human. Karma will always be my top priority. No harm will come to her, intentional or otherwise.” His gaze sharpened, deadly as a blade coated in poison. “I will do whatever I need to ensure that stays true. Do you understand?"

Hurt her and die.

The stifling atmosphere doubled down and I swallowed around the new knot in my throat. Okay, so… a shovel talk from Time himself. That hadn't been on my bucket list, but at least his sudden intensity made sense now.

He'd hauled me off the ground out of worry for Karma, so I probably should have seen this coming.

Though…was it still considered a shovel talk when it's not about a romantic relationship? Meh, whatever.

Fighting the urge to run, I nodded. "Noted."

His stare lightened, and he lost some of his severe air. “Good. We have an understanding then.” He turned partially toward the ocean, his expression grim again. “You have been chosen for a quest that will decide the fate of Nexus. Make the most of it, and remember the honor that has been bestowed upon you."

No pressure…

The corner of his lips quirked up and he glanced at me. "It is a lot for any one person to carry, but I have confidence you will manage."

I didn't bite back my snort in time. "Glad one of us does." Considering what happened on my first trip to Nexus, I couldn't say I had that level of confidence.

Time hummed, his eyes moving back to the ocean. “You will not be alone this time. If you have questions or something doesn't seem right, I will be there. There will be no repeats.”

The idea of a babysitter still didn't sit fully well with me, but having him as a safety net had its perks. If it stopped another mess like Silas, I'd happily learn to live with the extra supervision.

Dropping the subject, I looked around and, noticing a distinct lack of someone, asked, “Is Karma here?” He'd said she was resting, but I didn't feel the distinct power I had back on Earth. Did it go away when spirits slept?

…Did spirits even sleep?

Questions circled in my mind and Time huffed, “Spirits can sleep as mortals do, though we usually choose not to. We don't often need that kind of recuperation. As for your other question, yes, our power fades when we sleep.”

Fascinating. Though, it didn't escape my notice that he'd dodged my first question. Knowing he could hear my thoughts, I raised an eyebrow.

Somehow, I don't think you avoided answering that by accident.

Time's expression closed off, the amusement from before replaced with cold calculation.

Working with him was going to be so much fun if he reacted like this whenever I asked about Karma…