The road didn't rise this time.
It listened.
That was the feeling settling into my bones as we left the square behind—like the world had tilted its head and decided to remember how I walked, not just that I did.
Every step echoed a fraction longer than it should have.
Not loud.
Intent.
Arjun noticed too. He slowed, glancing back at the benches where Mira sat wrapped in the girl's jacket, lantern light trembling around her.
"She's stable," he said quietly."For now."
"For now is sometimes enough," I replied.
The brand in my chest answered with a low, steady warmth—not pain, not threat—recognition.
[ System Notice: Narrative Burden — acknowledged by environment ][ Effect: Local response heightened ]
Aaryan chuckled softly."Ah. That's new."
"What is?" the girl asked.
He gestured vaguely at the street, the buildings, the air itself."The world just learned who absorbs the shock."
✦
The district ahead looked older.
Not ruined—aged.
