'That entrance was impossible,' Rhys thought, his analytical mind trying to reconcile what he'd just witnessed with known magical principles. 'The speed alone should have killed him. The lightning control, the creature's transformation, the precision...'
His gaze narrowed, suspicion mixing with grudging respect. 'He didn't do this alone. Couldn't have. Too much power, too perfectly executed. Someone helped him. Someone with resources and knowledge far beyond a sixteen-year-old's capabilities.'
But even as the thought formed, Rhys felt doubt creeping in. Because Jack's expression carried no hint of uncertainty, no trace of relief that a difficult stunt had succeeded. Just calm confidence, as if traveling at supersonic speeds on a giant raven was merely Tuesday afternoon entertainment.
Jack's eyes swept across the assembled nobles, cataloging faces and reactions with the assessment of someone who'd learned to read crowds.
