Rowen asked Fern to run a scan on Shade through the portal system.
After hearing Rowen's request, Fern moved to Shade's side and placed his hand lightly on her to begin the scan.
Rowen had assumed Shade wouldn't be able to perceive Fern at all. But the moment Fern came closer, Shade's gaze shifted toward him.
Rowen froze.
"…You can see him?" Rowen asked quietly.
Shade did not answer, but her eyes tracked Fern's position clearly.
Rowen turned to Fern, confused. "Why aren't you surprised? She can see you."
Fern continued the scan without pause. "I knew already," he said. "She's been able to see me for some time. I don't know the reason."
That only deepened Rowen's unease.
If Shade could perceive Fern, something most people couldn't, then it meant the limitation wasn't absolute. And if that limitation could break once, it could break again.
Rowen glanced at Shade, a trace of caution settling in.
If she could see Fern… then someday, others might too.
