Skarl remained in his defensive stance, his massive form blocking any potential retreat. The Orc's expression had shifted from aggression to satisfaction.
Whatever had just echoed across the continent had fundamentally altered the equation on the platform.
Jack stood motionless, his white hair catching the morning light, his expression absolutely neutral despite the satisfaction burning behind his golden-orange eyes.
And then the world shifted.
A blur of motion cut through the street.
It wasn't destructive, but moving with such velocity that the very air displaced by the passage created a localized wind that scattered loose debris and caught the attention of every consciousness present.
The guards, still frozen, suddenly realized something was coming fast, and only one person could be behind it.
The blur decelerated, and Faye Vesper became visible.
She was striking in a way that transcended simple physical beauty. But it was her body that commanded absolute attention.
