Noctix sat on the dorm balcony, hand stretched toward the sky, fingers spread open.
The mark was changing again.
It wasn't just a circle now. And it wasn't just black.
---
A deep violet shimmer pulsed through it—like ink mixed with starlight, twisting gently under the skin. The original circle had branched out like roots, stretching across the back of his hand, trailing down his fingers.
Each line curved with purpose, wrapping along his knuckles, over the back of his thumb, almost forming a design that looked like—
A tattoo.
But it wasn't.
It shifted slightly when he moved, like the lines were responding to his thoughts. Breathing with him.
---
Up his arm it spread in uneven, jagged curves—chaotic, but not messy. Beautiful, even.
A cosmic purple with flickers of dark blue and electric black. Like a galaxy spiraling up his skin.
By the time it stopped just below his shoulder, Noctix felt something new.
Not pain.
Not pressure.
Just potential.
Like this was only stage one.
---
He exhaled, watching the clouds pass overhead.
Then something clicked.
As he moved his hand again—fast—he noticed it: a faint pulse of light from the mark.
Like it was reacting to speed. Or maybe instinct.
---
"So it's not just decoration."
He smirked.
---
Across the courtyard, someone watched from the rooftop of the north wing. Not moving. Hood up. Eyes locked on Noctix.
They saw the mark.
And they weren't surprised.
---
End of Chapter Five.
Next: "Test of Will"