Between flesh and runes

Arthur's eyes lingered on Aleks, sharp with calculation. "Your vitality's back." He observed, the words half a statement, half an unspoken question.

Aleks ran a hand through his soaked hair, flexing his fingers, testing his strength. He felt... whole. More than that, something within him had snapped back into place, like a muscle long atrophied suddenly regaining its former function. "Yeah. I can feel it. My body doesn't feel like dead weight anymore."

Arthur didn't let up. "But that wasn't just recovery." His voice was measured, probing. "You weren't just regaining strength, you were changing. I saw it. It was accelerating."

Aleks opened his mouth, then shut it, struggling to find the words. He knew Arthur was right. It hadn't been just an awakening of power; something deeper had stirred. Something dangerous. He exhaled, gaze drifting toward the horizon. "I... don't know how to describe it."

Arthur crossed his arms, waiting. "Try."