POV: Kendrick
Something was wrong with Ashina.
Kendrick couldn't pinpoint exactly what, but the bond hummed with... something. An undercurrent of emotion that felt muted, blurred at the edges like someone had smudged a drawing. She was still there, he could feel her love, her determination, her focus on training. But underneath it all was something she was hiding.
He watched her now across the training yard, practicing defensive shields with Daciana. She moved with her usual grace, but there was a carefulness to her movements that hadn't been there before. Like she was protecting something.
"You're staring," Ryker commented from beside him.
"I'm observing."
"You're staring like a lovesick puppy. It's embarrassing." But Ryker's tone held affection rather than mockery. "What's wrong?"
"I don't know." Kendrick's jaw tightened. "Something's off with her. Through the bond, I can feel... I don't know. Like she's holding something back."
"Have you asked her about it?"
