Let's rewind time to a few hours ago.
Khione's smartphone rang with Nero's message. Just a few words: "Training. Pocket world. Be back later."
She read it once, then again. Her expression, already cool, remained unchanged. But inside, a winter locked far deeper than her magic stirred. He wouldn't rush off like that right after meeting Elysia unless he felt pressured. Unless he felt weak. The thought of that woman, all smug lightning and political poison, putting that pressure on him made something primal and protective coil tight in Khione's chest.
Her first impulse was pure, glacial fury. To find Elysia Raizen and demonstrate exactly why the Undine were not to be trifled with. But she reigned it in. That was what Elysia would want—an emotional, reckless reaction. Nero was handling it his way: by getting stronger. She would do the same.
