Kaiden coughed.
Not a light one.
A low, dangerous sound that vibrated in his chest.
Bastet stiffened.
Her entire body shuddered from head to toe, ears twitching violently as if struck by lightning. Her golden eyes snapped toward him, instantly wide.
"I-I will behave, Master…" she said at once, posture straightening with alarming obedience.
Luna snorted.
Aria covered her mouth to hide a grin.
Kaiden pinched the bridge of his nose. "Let's just walk."
They moved forward again, slipping back into the flow of the nighttime crowd. Neon lights reflected faintly off windows and damp pavement, conversations blending into a low hum. A street musician was playing something soft near a crosswalk, the melody drifting lazily through the air. For a few minutes, it felt normal again. Just a group out enjoying the city.
Alice rotated slowly above Kaiden's head, the black halo faintly pulsing.
Then her voice brushed against his mind.
