Naia didn't press him for answers. She sat quietly on the bench beside the training field, knees pulled up, eyes still red from crying. She simply asked the essentials:
"Can I help?" she said first, voice steady, despite everything.
"Is Willam already involved?"
"And what are your next steps?"
Kai told her the truth, or as much of it as he could safely share. That he was gathering allies. That the Devourer shouldn't be unbeatable, but any mistake could be fatal.
When he warned her it would be dangerous, and that she could be targeted simply for knowing him, she didn't even flinch.
"If you need me," she said resolutely, "I'll withdraw from my studies immediately."
Kai shook his head, placing a hand lightly on her shoulder to ease her determination.
"Don't be so impulsive. Stay," he said. "You're safer here for now. And you're learning too much to throw it away. I'll call you when the time's right."
