Hadrian, sat in that space with Alia at their round table, observed as Baruch thrashed in pain through the shimmering portal.
When Baruch last did the ritual, Hadrian had interrupted it because he was sealed in the box and was afraid it would have worsened his situation.
Of course, in the end, he hadn't truly needed Baruch.
Having other vessels in the real world, he sat back and watched, as the plan had always been.
Even if he wanted to help, the guy could not be trusted being outside his control range.
On top of that, the sorcerer lady was the one overseeing Baruch's ritual this time round.
Hadrian couldn't see Baruch's soul body unless summoned up here, but he imagined the ink-like influence was spreading through it.
After a few painful moments for Baruch, he stopped thrashing, breathing heavily as he lay on the ground.
The sorcerer lady took steps towards him, her black dress shuffling.
