The sound of footsteps approaching from the side pulled Asher out of his thoughts. His eyes shifted instinctively in that direction, and he soon spotted Finch and William walking toward him and Rachael. Almost immediately, Rachael's attention snapped to the side as well, her gemlike blue eyes locking onto Finch the moment she saw him. Without hesitation, she rushed forward and wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug, her voice ringing with excitement as she spoke.
"Big brother, how was I? Did you see my progress?" she asked enthusiastically, barely able to contain herself.
Finch bent down slightly as he responded, his tone warm and genuine. "I did," he said, then let out a small sigh as though the thought carried weight. "And I have to say, very soon, you will awaken and overtake big brother." The way he spoke made it sound as though he truly believed his own words.
