Eli's voice came out sharper than he intended. "That's not funny."
Zaira didn't even flinch. Her expression stayed steady—serious in a way that made Eli's stomach twist.
He turned to Mio, desperate for something, anything that made sense. "Mio, why are you letting them do this?"
Mio's jaw tightened, his usual composure cracking slightly. Before he could answer, Punzo spoke—his tone low, uneasy. "As much as I don't like defending anyone from Twilight Guild… Eli, our captain's behind you."
Eli froze.
Punzo's voice continued, hesitant. "And Twilight's captain—he's right beside Mio." He pointed as he spoke, first past Eli's shoulder, then toward Mio's left, where Mio's gaze already lingered.
Eli followed the direction automatically—but saw nothing. Just air, and mist curling faintly in the forest's dim light.
That wasn't possible.
If they were there… why couldn't he see them?
Mio's expression shifted from tension to something worse—uneasy pity. "Eli…"
