Chapter 32: The Reflection of Darkness

"Ignis, wake up."

My head throbbed as if a thousand hammers were pounding at once, and my body felt heavy, useless. The words I heard sounded like a distant echo, empty of meaning. The confusion was overwhelming, stronger than any of the monumental hangovers I had endured after wild party nights.

"Oh, come on, Igniscito, you can't be this weak."

The mocking tone pierced through the haze in my mind, and irritation began to replace the confusion. I recognized that voice—damn it. That sarcastic, venomous tone was unmistakable.

"Shut up, Laplace!" I growled with difficulty, though the sound of my voice was barely more than a murmur.

"Reliving some bitter memories and collapsing? How pathetic. Sometimes I think Nox would have been a better host. The boy was more compatible, but you, as always, ruined everything and sent him straight to hell."