The boys said all they had to and Michael communicated with them.
They stood, bowed awkwardly—half-formal, half-sincere—and exited without another word as he sent them out.
As the door clicked shut behind them, silence returned to the room.
Michael took a slow breath and finally stood.
He crossed to the corner where Wisdom was perched, the owl blinking lazily from atop a high shelf.
"Sorry," Michael murmured. "You're not coming this time again."
He reached into his storage space and pulled out a small platter of mana-infused fruits, placing them gently on the table near Wisdom's perch.
The owl tilted its head, curious.
Michael scratched gently behind its ear feathers and whispered, "Stay here and keep an eye on things. I'll be back soon."
Wisdom gave a soft hoot of acknowledgment but didn't argue.
