Sally's POV
The silence stretches between us after Karl finishes speaking. His eyes remain fixed on mine, as if he's memorizing every detail of my expression. I can feel the heaviness of our conversation settling in my chest like a stone.
"Okay," he murmurs, adjusting his position. "Let's attempt this mind-link. Just breathe and concentrate."
I give a small nod, though relaxation feels impossible when my heart is already racing. My hands grow damp as I shut my eyes, trying to push away all distractions, including Karl's calming presence beside me. I focus on that familiar tug I always sense when thinking of Ajax.
He's somewhere nearby, though I can't pinpoint his exact location. There's this persistent pull, like an invisible cord connecting us, creating pressure in my chest.
"Ajax?" I project the thought as clearly as if I were speaking aloud into the darkness. "Do you hear me?"
For one long moment, nothing. Complete silence.
