Jett strolled into the castle walls, his steps slow and sluggish as he absently fidgeted with a small stone he had picked up. His usual sharpness was dulled, his head slightly lowered, and his demeanor quiet.
"You made it!!!" Evelina's cheerful voice rang out as she rushed forward to hug him. The others followed closely, their relief and excitement were clearly visible.
"We really thought we had this one in the bag," Matthew said, puffing out his chest in mock bravado.
"Ugh, I feel like a side character in a masochist story about you," Aiden quipped, before releasing a few chuckles.
But the humor didn't land with Jett. He stood there, unmoving, his face blank, and the energy of the group began to falter as they noticed his subdued state.
"What's with him?" Cedric finally asked, breaking the awkward silence. "He just took down the trial boss, but he looks like he just lost a lottery or something."