The faint hum of the Alchemy-Pulse Stakes filled the silence. JP's inventions were scattered across the tent floor: Glow Pebbles glowing like bottled starlight, resin straps, rune-etched jars. It looked less like a camp and more like a workshop.
Lyra's silver eyes darted over everything, sharp and suspicious. The air around her felt heavier than usual, her disguise flickering at the edges under the glow.
"You… aren't just an adventurer," she said softly, though there was an edge of accusation in her voice.
JP forced a laugh, setting down the half-engraved stone in his hand. "What, these? Just… survival tricks. Tools. I'm not trying to stand out."
But Lyra tilted her head, catching his gaze. "I've seen adventurers. None of them carry things like this. You're hiding something."
JP swallowed. She's not wrong. But I can't just tell her I was once an electrician in another world.
He shrugged instead, putting on a calm mask. "I like tinkering. Makes me feel… safe. That's all."
For a long moment, she studied him in silence. Then, unexpectedly, her tone softened. "Safe is rare. If your tricks keep you alive, then keep them. But don't let the wrong eyes see."
Her warning sent a chill through JP. Before he could respond, she turned and slipped out into the night, leaving him alone with the hum of his devices and a weight in his chest.
She's suspicious of me. But she didn't reject me…
He clenched his fists. I'll need to tread carefully.