Silence lingered after Jax's words, stretching long enough that even the soft trickle of water around the platform seemed hesitant to break it.
Ashanti stood perfectly still, remaining in that very apprehensive yet controlled mindset. Her wings remained folded, feathers barely stirring, but the mana around her shifted in subtle, unconscious ripples, reacting to the change in her posture.
The sanctuary's stabilizing wards responded immediately, faint lines of light surfacing in the air like ripples in glass before settling again.
Xara watched it all with sharp eyes, exhaling softly before finally speaking, "So," she said, tone carefully neutral, "you've made your decision."
Jax nodded once, "I have."
He turned toward her fully now, golden eyes steady and assured, "I'll take responsibility for her."
Xara's shoulders loosened,just a fraction—, but the relief was unmistakable. "Temporarily?" she asked, already knowing the answer wouldn't be simple.
