He steeled his heart.
His shoulders dropped as he drew a deep breath while closing his eyes for just a moment before flaring open with renewed resolve.
Something shifted in that instant. The crowd remained restless, stirred like a flock of sheep sensing a predator's approach. But their unease no longer weighed on him. He had shaken off the gnawing doubt that had clung to him moments before.
"We have encountered powerful existences—" Kael's voice cut through the murmurs like a blade, commanding their attention.
Gazes snapped toward him, sharp with alarm.
"Powerful existences?! What does that mean?"
"Are we under attack?"
Confusion and horror rippled through the crowd like wildfire, faces paling, brows furrowing.
The reaction was unpleasant—but expected. Even so, Lira and the others couldn't help but frown at the sight of panic spreading so rapidly, consuming the people like a contagion.
