The light fractured across the nursery floor, casting strange, dancing shadows over their feet. The flickering outline of the entity's imitation shimmered like a mirage—part light, part smoke, part memory of laughter that didn't belong entirely to this world.
Nova blinked up at it from Samantha's arms, eyes wide and unafraid, as if she recognized herself in the glowing phantom.
Marcus moved first, slow and measured, every muscle taut with protective intent. "Everyone stay still," he said quietly. "We don't know if it's hostile."
Kai, crouched low beside him, tilted his head. "If it was hostile, don't you think it'd be doing more than... playing peekaboo?"
Callum didn't respond. His eyes glowed faintly as he studied the figure, wings half-spread, protective yet curious. Samantha could sense the hum of his power through the bond—restrained, but ready.
