Saffi stepped forward, to the spot where Raizen had been standing - the edge of the platform, the open air beyond, the green depths of the canopy stretching downward into mist - and took his place.
Kenzo looked at her. Then at Raizen. Then back at Saffi. The silent question - are we doing this now? - answered itself when Saffi raised her hand.
Palm open. Fingers spread. The same posture Raizen had started with.
She reached.
Raizen watched from a few steps back, the lizard's warm weight in his chest pocket, and waited for the visions. The flood. The terror. The snap of something ancient and vast opening behind her eyes. Something
Nothing happened.
Saffi stood completely still. Hand extended. Breathing in short bursts. Her face was focused - the precise, analytical focus that she brought to everything. Brow slightly furrowed. Jaw relaxed, eyes half-closed.
She held the position for thirty seconds. A minute.
Silence.
