Kael held the small bead between his thumb and forefinger. To anyone watching, it might have looked like a meaningless fidget, just a boy toying with something small.
But in his mind, the moment was already set. (if there are no other choice, then like how the novel did, i will do the same)
His other hand shot up, knocking the guard's wrist aside with quick, practiced precision.
The man's eyes widened in surprise—he wasn't prepared for Kael's light, fluid movements, so unlike the heavy, braced style of trained soldiers.
Kael twisted his body, slipping between the first guard and another. His shoulder brushed past them, sending the halberd off-balance.
At that same moment, the bead slipped from his hand, falling toward the cobblestones like a hidden secret.
It struck the ground with a soft thunk—and then it hissed.
