For the briefest instant, he thought he had misheard. The playful expression on his face faded, replaced by quiet confusion as he studied Alaric. There was no smile, no casual warmth from their conversation since leaving the city. Those familiar golden eyes remained fixed on him, calm as ever, yet they no longer seemed to be looking at him.
No, rather...
They seemed to be looking through him.
"...What did you just say?"
Neither moved.
The breeze still swept through the forest, rustling leaves high above. Birds called from the canopy, and the distant murmur of water remained unchanged. Everything seemed to have a heartbeat a moment ago, yet Hundao found the atmosphere oppressive, as though something invisible had settled over the woodland.
Alaric slowly turned to face him.
"I said..." His voice remained perfectly level. "...if only you were him."
"What do you mean by that?" Hundao said, while scratching the back of his head.
