For the briefest moment, Lumine thought the world had frozen.
Only when Azriel stood did he realize that was not the case. Without thinking, Lumine rose as well, facing him while Azriel held the lantern in one hand.
"What... what do you mean, you'll be dead? W-Why? No—how?"
With a gentle curve of his lips, Azriel said,
"There are certain beings I am up against, and it seems I am too weak to escape this one... even if I gamble."
Then he stepped back and, without warning, loosened his robes, revealing his bare chest to Lumine.
The sight made Lumine flush instantly, his face reddening before he could stop it.
But then his attention shifted.
Slowly, his eyes settled on Azriel's chest.
A small black star was marked on the right side of it.
Noticing where his gaze lingered, Azriel spoke in a calm voice, free of tension.
