"N-No. No other Seekers. Just us. We were about to close because—well—obviously." He gestured vaguely at the explosions outside, as if that explained everything.
Fair enough.
Behind him, one employee clutched a mop like it was a sacred weapon. Another gripped a plastic tray like a shield. The third kept darting glances between me and Hai-Min, who was still clinging to my arms. She couldn't stand even if she tried.
More employees and customers watched us from behind counters and shelves, likely having rushed here after the commotion.
Amanda's whisper brushed against my ear. "These civilians are so jumpy… just be patient with them."
Patient. Right. Like that was one of my core virtues, nestled right between discipline and not picking up random girls in a state of emergency.
Still, I gave her a tiny nod.
"I'm trying," I murmured back. "Really. I've only threatened zero people so far. That's personal growth."
