Elias's shard pulsed against his chest, a steady thump, his spoon pausing mid-air. The guard's words hung, sharp in the cafeteria's din—clattering trays, low voices, the hum of screens. He glanced at Kikaru, her jaw tight, then at Asurik, alone at a corner table. His hazel eyes locked on Kikaru, dark hair falling over his brow, lips curling. "B Block's chasing shadows," he said, loud enough for Elias to hear, his shard glowing faintly at his wrist.
Faye slid onto the bench, red hair catching the light, dark eyeliner framing her eyes. Her bird-like Ikona perched on her shoulder, feathers shimmering like sound waves, humming a soft melody. The notes wove through the air, a shimmering wave that brushed the table, easing Junijo's trembling spoon. "Morning," she said, voice light, tray untouched, her smile faint but warm.
