In a quiet interlude, Dain removed his mask for the first time. His left cheek was smooth, untouched by time, while the right was an intricate mosaic of silver and ash— living silver, pulsing faintly. "It’s part of the Veil," he admitted. "It’s growing. If it breaches my soul, the Hollow Court will have a new champion." Kendra’s hand trembled as she brushed the metal. "Let me help you." He pulled away, but the vulnerability in his eyes was undeniable.