Kaya crouched by her bag, her mind already working. She glanced at Veer's pale, tense face and said,
"If the sound gets louder or softer, tell me. Got it?"
He gave a sharp nod, still holding his head like it might split in two.
"Alright…" She began lifting items one by one. First came her three duplicate guns—she held them close to his ear, watching for even the slightest twitch. Nothing. Veer just shook his head.
Next, she scooped up all sixty-five bullets, letting the metal clink softly in her palms as she brought them near him. Again, no reaction except another shake of his head.
Clothes. No.
She even tilted his head closer to the small pouch of salt and other odds and ends. His brows pulled tighter, but still he muttered, "Not it… but—ugh—the noise… it's still there…" His voice was strained, almost a groan.
Kaya sat back on her heels, frustration flickering in her eyes. She'd emptied almost everything. None of it made sense.
