Faye sat on the floor, humming, her bird-like Ikona weaving a shimmering disc from the melody, its edges pulsing with sound. The disc hovered, steadying Junijo's trembling hands, his Ikona shifting to purple. "Thanks," he mumbled, Faye's smile soft, her eyes distant but kind.
A woman passed the doorway, her snake-like Ikona coiled around her arm, scales glinting under the light. She glanced at the group, eyes cold, then moved on, boots clicking down the corridor. Asurik leaned in the doorframe, shard glowing at his wrist, his voice low. "B Block's itching for chaos," he said, eyes on Kikaru. "No scanners, no leashes."
Elias's shard pulsed, cards slipping in his fingers. Kikaru froze, her Ikona flaring gold, then turned away, jaw tight. "Keep dreaming," she muttered, her voice sharp, fingers clenching her orb. Asurik's lips twitched, his gaze lingering, then he slipped out, the corridor's hum swallowing his steps.
