"This world is overflowing with raw Absolute energy," Kahdijah said, drifting lazily through the sky. "Which means there's more than one Absolute walking around here. That's unusual. Absolutes don't form groups. They don't need to."
Bolt hovered beside her, barely listening. His chest felt lighter than it had in a long time. More Absolutes meant hope. It meant his people might live.
Kahdijah glanced at him, then stopped mid-air.
"Why are you still here?" she asked. "Your planet is on a countdown, isn't it?"
Bolt blinked. "What?"
"If I were you," she continued, tone casual, "I'd already be moving my people. Somewhere quieter. Somewhere that won't be erased when the real fight starts."
Bolt stiffened. "I thought you were helping me find him."
She laughed, sharp and amused. "Helping you? That's adorable."
Bolt clenched his fists. "Then why are you here with me?"
"I told you already," she said. "You're a guide. You walk. I follow. Don't confuse proximity with kindness."
