"Yes. Just—here." She gestured vaguely toward his chest. "To sense what's happening inside."
Aurex studied her for a long moment. "And if you can't do anything?"
"Then nothing changes. You're exactly where you are now." Wish met his gaze steadily. "But if I can help... wouldn't it be worth trying?"
He was silent, considering. Then he sighed, a small smile tugging at his lips. "You're persistent. Fine. But if this is some elaborate plot to assassinate me—"
"It's not!"
"—then know that the soul bond will kill you before my body even hits the ground."
"Comforting," Wish muttered, but she was already moving closer. She reached out slowly, giving him time to pull away. When he didn't, her fingers made contact with his arm.
The warmth hit her first. That same morning-sun warmth, but concentrated. It flowed through her fingertips and up her arm.
[SCANNING SUBJECT: AUREX][ANALYZING...]
The system screen blazed to life in her vision, information scrolling rapidly.
