"You think it is not working, but I feel it," Willy replied. "It calls to me. Your skin buzzes with energy. You are sharp and luminous and beyond beauty. You will grow in power, but, Fin, I can feel you even from this distance. Can you feel me?"

He held out his hand, not reaching for Fin so much as simply reaching out. As he spread his fingers there was a hint of ozone in the room and the air seemed fragile. Slowly, a fine white vapor rose from his fingertips and coiled around Fin, licking at his bare skin.