"He has plenty of uses," Jian Rui said, his voice steady but low. "And he's more than willing to do anything he is asked."
Seraphyne's lips curled, not in amusement but in warning. "What does he want in return? Don't tell me it's purpose. Or money."
Jian Rui didn't answer immediately. He tapped his communicator and flicked his wrist. A floating screen expanded in the air, displaying surveillance footage from the spacecraft on the day of the raid. Jian Ci was asleep, his breathing soft and even. Yu Xi sat nearby, unmoving, his gaze fixed on Jian Ci with a quiet intensity. Longing shimmered in his eyes, unspoken and raw.
Seraphyne's eyes darkened. "Jian Rui!"
Her voice cracked like thunder. Rage surged through her, old and deep. She had been the victim of an Esper's obsession once despite being an Esper herself. Her body had been shattered by that beast, her pain etched into every fiber of her soul.
