Rika stands in the center of the dimly lit room, five neatly folded letters in her hands.
The air around them hums with quiet energy, thick with the scent of burnt herbs and candle wax.
Her fingers tighten slightly on the papers, her expression unreadable as she turns to Max. "Should we send them now?"
Max stretches his arms, rolling his shoulders back as if shaking off tension. "Yeah. No point in waiting." His lips curve into a smirk. "Unless you're having second thoughts."
Rika snorts, shaking her head. "Not a chance. We need to do this." She glances at Ace, Jun, and Elira, who are watching from the side. "You all should step back."
Jun raises a brow. "Why? I want to see."
Max grins. "Because magic like this can be unpredictable. And unless you want your hair standing on end for the next hour, I'd listen. But Jun you can stay."
"Ugh, Gosh, no one likes me in this place." Jun complains moving back with Elira.