As he spoke the words “Melikinnâs” and “İlâhinnâs,” he felt a shift. It was as if he were placing a golden shield between his heart and the cold wind. He realized that the "Vesvas"—the whisperer—had no power of its own; it only had the power he gave it by listening.
He remembered his grandfather’s old silver medallion, engraved with the words of the final protection. He closed his eyes and began to recite the words he had known since childhood: "Kul e'ûzu birabbinnâs..." (I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind). His heart, usually calm, began to race
Elian paused. His heart, usually calm, began to race. He looked at his work and suddenly saw flaws where there were none. The wood felt heavy, and the shadows in the corners of his room seemed to stretch like grasping fingers. The whispers grew, weaving through his mind like smoke. The whispers grew