"But... I already promised my squad captain I'd return. I can't go back on my word," Emily said, clearly torn.
"I'll talk to your captain myself," Henry said firmly. "From now on, you're staying with Fallen Star Squad. No discussion."
It was a rare display of authority from him—at least, rare outside of combat. But here, in front of his sister, Henry sounded different. More forceful. More decisive.
Even Ethan raised an eyebrow. It wasn't the Henry they were used to.
"Henry, come with me," Ethan said suddenly, then turned and walked toward the backyard.
"Okay," Henry replied quickly, following without question. The others stayed behind, quietly giving them space.
Out in the backyard, Ethan lowered his voice. "Your sister told you about your parents, right?"
"Yeah." Henry nodded, expression sinking at once. Grief flickered across his face.
"Did anything about it feel… off to you?"
"Off?" Henry looked confused. "Ethan, did you notice something?"
