"That's… not possible," Daphne murmured, her voice a whisper against the stillness. She stepped from behind him, her hand brushing his with a lingering warmth, her violet eyes searching his face as if he were a formula defying logic. "The energy to form that shield, the speed you harnessed it… you can't train that control on your first try."
Her clinical detachment dissolved, replaced by awe laced with alarm. "This is unprecedented, Zaeryn. And incredibly dangerous."
Zaeryn's chest swelled with pride, confidence surging through him. "Dangerous?" he asked, not quite getting what she was on about.
Daphne nodded, stepping closer, her hand steadying his arm. "Vitae Weaving's draining, especially at your level. I can't imagine the energy you burned."
Her voice softened, concern breaking through. "Are you alright?"
She looked genuinely worried. Too worried even. That was an emotion Zaeryn hasn't seen from her yet. Still, it meant she was beginning to care for him.
