Grand Master Yu's expression grew serious, the earlier warmth in his eyes replaced by something harder. "Your parents brought you here tonight because they're afraid," he said, his weathered hand resting gently on Li Hua's shoulder. "There are people—dangerous people—who would do anything to obtain yours and your brothers' inner cores."
Li Hua felt her parents shift uncomfortably behind her.
"Do you know how they could do that?" Grand Master Yu asked, his voice carrying a weight that seemed to make the amber light dim.
"Grand Master Yu!" her mother's voice cut through the tension. "She's only four—"
"Five," her father corrected automatically.
"—five years old!" her mother finished; distress evident in her tone.
Grand Master Yu's head snapped up, his eyes flashing with sudden irritation. The pressure in the room increased dramatically, causing Li Hua's parents to take an involuntary step back.