Amari's steps quickened as she walked through the empty streets. Her mind raced, replaying Lio's words over and over again.
What unsettled her most wasn't the rebellion—it was the way he had known her name, her power.
She had never revealed that part of herself to anyone outside the shop. Not unless… someone had been watching.
Back in the shop, she shut the door firmly behind her and locked it. Nova was standing near the shelf, organizing the jars, but turned when he noticed her tense expression.
"You look pale. What happened?"
He said.
"I… met someone. He called himself Lio. Said he was part of some rebellion."
Amari replied, pulling her hood back.
Nova raised an eyebrow but said nothing, waiting for her to continue.
"He knew who I was. My name. Even my ability. He showed me his too—fire."
She shivered slightly.
"It reminded me of you. So I left."
Nova tilted his head.
"And now you're telling me all this?"
"I had to. I needed to talk to someone about it.'
