Consequences

Embracing the full extent of his newfound mastery over Old Magic, William invoked a forbidden incantation that defied the boundaries of time itself. As he channeled his power, the world around him shuddered, and the fabric of reality trembled. Time reversed its relentless march, flowing backward like an unraveled thread.

Yet, as the moments rewound, William remained untouched by the temporal flux, a solitary figure poised amidst the cascading echoes of the past. Only he and other formidable beings—those who held a connection to the arcane forces of the universe—remained unaffected by the reversal of time.

Conscious of the consequences that his actions would entail, William knowingly broke the sacred rules set forth by the Outer beings—the guardians of temporal order. For in his quest for answers and the pursuit of truth, he dared to manipulate the threads of time, weaving a tapestry that deviated from the natural course.

As the world retraced its steps, the sands of time running backward, William searched for Mrs. Harrington, hoping to uncover the secrets that eluded him. Yet, to his surprise, she was nowhere to be found. Instead, a cryptic note materialized before his eyes, its words etched upon the parchment with an otherworldly elegance.

"Time bends, destiny weaves,

Seek not what lies behind the leaves.

Through trials yet to be unfurled,

Uncover the truth that shapes your world."

Before he could contemplate about Mrs. Harrington's message William's acute senses detected the presence of beings immeasurably powerful. A shiver ran down his spine as he realized their identity—they were the enigmatic subordinates of the Outer beings, the guardians of temporal order. The consequence of his audacious act was clear: he must face their retribution.

With the full extent of his memories and his exceptional grasp of Old Magic, William devised a daring plan. He tapped into the arcane energies coursing through his veins, channeling them with precision. With a single thought, he unleashed a wave of magic to erase his presence, cloaking himself in an invisible shroud.

The guards, powerful as they were, had yet to comprehend the essence of Old Magic. Their search for the temporal trespasser faltered, as William's concealed form eluded their grasp. He slipped through the cracks of their perception, a whisper in the wind, leaving them bewildered and unable to track his elusive presence.

And so, William retreated to a hidden sanctuary, a realm untouched by the prying eyes of those who sought to bring him to justice. Within this haven, he knew he could continue his quest, free from the imminent threat of the Outer beings' subordinates.