Mystically connected to a stranger Arcady had just tried to kill, Arcady drags their unconscious self home instead of ending their life altogether.
Despite the pain, Arcady binds the stranger with magic, assesses their appearance, and wakes them.
The stranger reveals a bruise on their body that matches Arcady's own and claims Arcady stole them from home, insisting it was not their choice to be in Arcady's presence.
Arcady cuts their own arm, which results in the stranger's arm receiving a matching wound, proving their lives are connected and suggesting mind magic was used.
Arcady insists they have not experienced a change in their power since the night of the magical connection, despite the stranger probing. Defensively, Arcady demands the stranger break the bond between them.
Refusing to release them, Arcady offers the stranger a truce and future release in exchange for not harming them. They decline, insisting they could escape if they wished.
Leaving the stranger bound in the shop overnight, Arcady struggles to sleep, contemplating their strange predicament and worrying for their safety.