"You awakened your powers," Jai said softly, still half in disbelief. "That's… actually kind of amazing. We might be able to fight better now, but I don't know how it works—or who it works on—without testing it."
Shao didn't respond. He simply adjusted the folds of his sleeve with slow, careful movements, as if the act could anchor his thoughts. Then, without a word, he turned and walked out of the room.
Jai blinked, startled, before trailing after him.
They reached the hallway, where Zei was humming tunelessly, swinging a half-eaten snack bar and dancing to whatever rhythm played in his head. He looked completely unbothered by the world—as usual.
When Zei caught sight of them, his eyes flicked between the two with a knowing grin.
"Well, well," he said, wiggling his eyebrows. "You two were gone a while. Should I be congratulating someone?"
Jai flushed, immediately shrinking back. Shao's jaw clenched.
"Zei," Shao said sharply, his voice cold and steady.
