The air in the lounge instantly changed the moment her voice came through.
It was light. Feminine. Young, clearly that of a teenage girl. Yet something in the tone, the warmth that laced her greeting, turned the atmosphere from playful to focused in a single breath.
Serika stopped mid-stretch, freezing as Quinlan lifted the artifact closer.
"… Who?" Feng mouthed to Serika, raising an eyebrow.
Serika shook her head. She didn't know who that was either, but judging by the sudden hush that blanketed the room, she knew enough not to speak.
Across the lounge, those who did know leaned closer.
Ayame stopped polishing her blade, setting it gently on her lap as her keen eyes narrowed with interest. Seraphiel stopped massaging her sore calves and rose slowly, walking over on silent feet to take a seat just behind Quinlan. Aurora adjusted her posture ever so slightly beneath his arm.
They were all listening now.
And on the other end of the artifact…
