[You've never used it before, but the foundation is already in you. Focus, Host. Place your hand on him—skin contact. Then clear your mind. Instead of projecting outward like with your flames, this time… listen. Sink inward.]
Qingran narrowed her eyes, gaze flicking to the man's unconscious face.
Sweat beaded at his temples, his lips parted with shallow, uneven breaths.
She exhaled slowly and knelt beside the bed.
Her hand hovered for a heartbeat, then pressed gently against his wrist. His skin felt strangely cool, but at least he was alive.
Her brows furrowed slightly.
"Clear my mind and… listen." She closed her eyes.
In the silence of her thoughts, she pushed past the habitual alertness she'd cultivated since the world fell apart.
She silenced her instinct to scan the room, to anticipate threats. Instead, she turned her focus inward.
Stillness settled.Then like water rippling under a single drop something stirred.
Her breath hitched.
