Magic Word

Luca could only describe that extreme gasp as one where he metaphorically called back his soul.

He thought he was going to die.

But if he asked Xavier and the bony elders, they'd tell him that he practically did. Because the space quite literally dimmed the moment it happened.

Then, like an ancient steam engine, Luca started back up again, which really gave Xavier a fright.

He was sure Luca would've died had they missed the time because his contract flashed.

And for a moment, it felt so cold that he, an Ice Elementalist, could feel the chilling pain it brought.

Was that what it felt like for the Life Contract to break?

He wanted to think about it but realized that Luca was arching his back and clawing at his neck.

Was he feeling suffocated?

Xavier rushed over but hesitated to touch him because the elders were adamant about it affecting a person's cultivation.