He extended his hand toward the glass. The core brightened, threads of white energy spiraling outward before dimming again.
The hair on his arms rose. He could sense it, not through any spell, but through instinct, like two storms acknowledging each other.
Kael's voice stayed calm. "Interesting. It never did that for me."
Merlin withdrew his hand slowly. "Maybe it likes new company."
Kael regarded him for a long, thoughtful moment. "Or maybe it recognizes something."
The silence that followed carried more weight than the hum of machinery. Merlin turned away first, breaking the tension. "So, what exactly do you need me for? You didn't bring me here just to show off your miracle toy."
Kael's answer was immediate. "I need a vote. Tomorrow, the board convenes to decide whether to mothball the project or move it to field trials. I want your eight percent to back me."
"And if I don't?"
