Khael's eyes lingered on Eliryn just a moment too long.
She hadn't moved. Her arms were still folded neatly behind her back, her chin dipped slightly as if in thought. But it wasn't her posture that made Khael uneasy.
Something about her stillness felt... off.
(Eliryn… what are you hiding?)
The silence broke as Elder Lao's voice cut through, heavy with concern.
"Tonight's ritual is not only sacred—it's dangerous," he said.
"Voidflare activity has been increasing. And if the Crimson Roots truly plan to interfere… this won't just be about tradition anymore. Lives could be at risk."
His words lingered in the air like a thick fog.
Ceyla crossed her arms, her storm-affinity presence flickering faintly around her.
"So what, we just wait until nightfall and hope they don't attack?" she said coldly.
Juno's fingers tensed, brushing the rim of his belt.
"They will. And if they do, we handle them."
