AT THE SAME TIME
ZAVIER
The moment should have ended there, it almost did, it wanted to, but peace in this place had a habit of collapsing the second it tried to exist. Footsteps, sharp, fast, familiar in the worst possible way.
"No." I muttered.
Adam's hand tightened around mine instantly.
"I don't like that sound." He said quietly.
"You shouldn't." Ben added.
"I ACCEPT BAD SOUNDS." Riko whispered.
"You accept everything." Leo replied.
And then Ethan walked in, not hesitant, not careful, not unsure like before. He looked different, sharper, leaner, dressed in military uniform like he had something to prove and nowhere else to prove it. The courtyard shifted immediately. Guards straightened, nobles froze. Even the air felt tighter with unexpected anticipation.
"He actually did it." Ben muttered.
"He joined." Leo added.
"I ACCEPT CHARACTER ARCS." Riko nodded.
"You don't understand them." Ben said.
"I UNDERSTAND DRAMA." Riko replied.
