Just as the ritual began, he quietly shifted away from the circle. He didn't say anything.
Instead, he focused entirely on the talisman, tossing it between his hands like a burning ember.
Emily's gaze flickered toward him, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly. "What are you doing?" she asked, her tone calm but curious.
Aiden forced a strained smile as he continued switching the talisman between his palms. "This thing… it's too hot," he said. "It feels like I'm holding a piece of coal."
York let out an exaggerated sigh and smirked. "Oh, really? Then let me see it."
Without waiting, he grabbed the talisman.
The next second... he flinched violently and jerked his hand back, almost dropping it.
"What the hell?!" he exclaimed, quickly handing it back. "How can a piece of paper be this hot? It should've burned to ashes by now!"
Hearing that, Tyler frowned slightly and reached out to touch it as well.
