"That's how Kairo got his abilities?"
Eli asked, eyes widening. His shoes scraped against the dirt as he pressed down, slowing his swing until it nearly stilled. "But… aren't abilities supposed to just appear? Nothing really triggers them, right?"
He glanced back at Caelen, uncertainty written plainly across his face.
"At least… that's what everyone says."
Caelen let out a dry chuckle. "They do just appear. No ritual, no training exercise, no dramatic awakening. It's usually random." His gaze darkened faintly as he continued. "But Kairo's ability revolves around blood."
"Oh." Eli winced. "I guess that makes sense."
He felt foolish for not putting that together himself.
"So… you both had your abilities from the start," Eli murmured, thinking aloud, "and it just so happens that the condition for Kairo's was… unique."
"Right." Caelen leaned back slightly, lifting his eyes to the stars overhead. "That day, there was plenty of excitement over his powers."
The word felt heavy.
