Badru scowled at Mathias. "This place... it is too big. Not good for proper law."
~~
Elsewhere in the darkness, near Gray's house, a clump of shadows deepened, darkened, became solid. Gray lay panting, even whiter than usual. He lay motionless for a long moment before cautiously testing himself. Yes, he was whole once more. Gasping softly in pain, he rolled onto his knees then emptied the contents of his stomach.
Close. He had been so close to losing absolute control! It could have been a disaster. Well, even worse of one. He forced himself to his feet and wobbled to his house. A few minutes later, he walked down to the shack where Lynna sat fiddling with a stick and stone.
"Well, look who finally decided to join us!" she said, exasperated, as she stood up. Then she took stock and frowned. "You look terrible. Are you alright?"
Gray smiled and nodded his assurance. "Thank you for staying. Pepper and Peter are safe now."
"Oh, that's good. Okay, then, I'm off!" Lynna gave a wave then bounded away.
Shakily, Gray eased himself down onto the spot she'd vacated and closed his eyes. His very fibers felt sore and painful. Like the worst headache ever all over his entire body.