It's a little more complex for Xeha to fine tune the darkness flow, and anxiety shows faintly on his face. Braig, he's sure, will be just fine during this stage. But even with the familiar black coat's protection, he's more than a little worried that some exposure is going to backfire, will start pulling at what lies beneath his heart.

The blade's glow is changing, now. Dark and light ripples: irregular at first, but settling into a smooth pulsing, up and down. Colours are starting to shine in the metal; a tight knot of light and darkness is forming by the pommel.

He realises what it is. His heart leaps, his pulse races.

"... the chain!"