"Hahahahaha—"
Jakis' laughter tore across the place, wild and grating. He was still sprawled on the ground, staring at the sky with a crooked smile splitting his face. "Haha… uhahahaha!"
Kelly ignored the lunatic entirely and turned back to the blood elder who had spoken.
Every gaze in the crowd was locked on the unfolding scene. The air felt tight, almost brittle. Six Astral Forgers standing together for one reason was enough to pull silence out of anyone. Their presence alone made hearts thump painfully against their ribs.
"Well, I'm honored to receive this much attention," Kelly said, lifting one eyebrow. "But I'm assuming you didn't all gather here to ask for autographs."
"Come with us," the Droy elder said, his green eyes blazing. His voice was sharp and authoritative. "You've caused quite a scene. You won't survive alone. Only a great House like ours is qualified to protect you—if you join us."
