They both hit the ground seconds later—but their landings were far from alike.
Lyra smashed into the earth like a cannonball, a loud thud echoing through the valley. The soil cracked beneath her feet, and dust burst out in a ring. Her armor absorbed most of the force, but the impact still shook the earth.
Xavier?
He landed like a whisper.
Not a sound. Not a crack. No impact.
It was like the air itself had slowed him down, cushioned his fall with invisible hands. He touched the ground like a feather, standing upright as if gravity didn't apply to him anymore.
Then, a voice crackled through the radio. Female. Calm, but laced with annoyance.
"Did you two seriously just jump out of the goddamn spaceship?"
Lyra clicked the comms. "He jumped first."
There was a pause.
"Xavier, you're abusing the power again."
He rolled his shoulders. "It's not abuse. It's called utilizing."
"You're not utilizing shit if there are alternatives available."
