I suppose it might be evidence of some unifying principle. Magic in my world draws from the Lifestream, a feature shared by any planet which supports life, at least according to theory. That would include this one. Your Fade is clearly different, but perhaps you utilize it in a similar manner...

[So perhaps Anders is tapping into this planet's Lifestream, or analagous energy source?]

But I don't know what connection you draw between your Fade and the islands wanting to "pull us apart."