NO RISK, NO REWARD.

Kovu's POV

I exhaled deeply, trying to steady my nerves as I reached out to Kyrax. We had done this countless times before, merging our minds and bodies until our energies flowed in perfect harmony. I knew this stage well—perhaps too well. It had become almost second nature to us.

*Ready?* I asked, though I already knew his answer.

*Always,* Kyrax growled in response.

I closed my eyes and centered myself as I began the process. My breathing slowed, and I could feel the mana around us as I synchronized with Kyrax. Our spirits aligned, and our thoughts became one.

The process was going smoothly, but just as we were about to fully merge, a sudden jolt tore through the connection. It was as if something had slammed into us from the inside, throwing us into chaos.

*What the…* I barely had time to react before the backlash hit. Pain like never before crashed through me, searing every nerve, every muscle, every bone in my body. It was as if I was being reduced to atoms and reconstructed agai