"We're standing together, but none of us are whole."
.———
"Are you okay?"
Jude's voice was quiet as he approached Zeke.
"Of course not." Zeke's response came flat, mechanical. "None of us are. Judging from the looks on your faces, we all faced something mentally draining." He paused, gaze sweeping over the group. "Right now, you need rest."
"What about you?"
Kai's tone carried more concern than question.
"Me?" Zeke patted Kai's shoulder with false levity. "I'm immortal. I don't need rest."
His eyes were distant when he spoke again, louder now—addressing the air as much as anyone.
"Where are we?"
"On the second floor of the Tower." Anton's answer was immediate, practiced. "We should be getting our rewards for completing the first trial any moment now."
"I always forget you have insider knowledge." Zeke's voice carried a thread of something almost like envy.
"You have questions to answer." Zeke's tone shifted—pointed, deliberate.
"I have answers to give."
