"Because it doesn't fade, it cracks," Fortescue notes, quiet. "I spoke with my predecessor. He chose an inanimate holder, but the principle is the same. When he was able to get away from Imperium, he went to this place I want to visit. A safe place for Magi. They told him the void comes through the soul, when you use Blood magic. Shadow. You lose parts of yourself, gain other... aspects that slip through the void itself. Apparently some Magi who didn't have the process can't even remember their names anymore."

There are worse stories that she leaves out. Magi who scream at things no one else can see. Magi who can't see themselves in mirrors anymore. Magi who only see the Shadow, as if they live permanently in it.

"I'd rather keep it out as long as I can. As long as Jazz isn't fatally injured, I'll be fine." She chuckles, smiles wryly. "Relatively speaking."