Jack raised his hand; the gesture spoke volumes without a word being spoken.
Both Faye and Ren understood without words that solitude was required. The cascade was beginning; he could feel it at the edges of his consciousness, that particular tingling sensation that preceded notifications from the system.
Faye's reluctance was palpable.
Her green eyes lingered on his face as if searching for reassurance, but when she met his gaze, she recognized the dismissal for what it was.
Not rejection, but necessity.
She rose from the bed with obvious reluctance, her white silk dress shifting as she moved, her divine aura dimming slightly as disappointment registered through her.
But she obeyed, moving toward the door with the grace of someone who understood hierarchy and command.
"I need to be alone," Jack said quietly, his voice still rough from disuse. "Both of you. Whatever this is... I need to process it without distraction."
