The chandeliers flicker again.
This time, the whole room notices.
The polite hum of conversation stutters, heads turning upward, glasses lowering, a ripple of collective unease spreading across the Grand Solhan Hotel's banquet floor before anyone can name what they're reacting to. Awakeners feel it first, the way they always do, that particular prickling at the base of the skull that means something in the mana around them has shifted.
Yeon Yujun has already moved away from the wall before he realizes he's doing it.
"Pubu…" Pouch presses flat against his chest from inside the jacket pocket, shaking so hard he can feel it through the fabric.
"I know." He keeps his voice low, eyes scanning the room. "I know, Pouch."
Ki Yeonbom is already on his phone across the room, face tight, mouth moving too quietly to hear. Seo Hwigeon appears at Yeon Yujun's shoulder without making a sound, the silver mask catching the unsteady light.
