From the pilot's seat, Beatrix glanced at the rearview mirror, her hands steady on the helicopter controls. Her tone remained as flat and casual as ever, but her eyes lingered on Julian longer than necessary.
"He's probably just worn out," she said, tilting her head slightly. "He used three completely different skills, [Gravity], [Lightning], and [Shadow], and sustained them all at once. It's honestly a miracle he lasted as long as he did."
Dori looked down at Julian, whose head still rested gently on her lap. Her hand moved slowly, brushing a few strands of hair from his forehead.
"I see… So that's why he collapsed," she murmured, her voice tinged with quiet worry as she watched the gentle rise and fall of his chest.
Zoe, who had been sitting close beside them, leaned in. With a curious look in her feline-like eyes, she extended one finger and poked Julian's cheek.
Then again.
Poke.
