Selene ignored Ethan's warning, determined to get through to the child. Something about him kept tugging at her instincts, refusing to let her walk away.
She crouched down, keeping her voice calm and gentle.
"Hey, can you hear me?"
The boy didn't respond.
She tried again.
"What's your name?"
Still, nothing.
Selene frowned. His body was tense, his arms wrapped tightly around himself. He wasn't just ignoring her—he was completely shutting her out.
Not one to be dismissed so easily, Selene reached out, intending to place a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
But before she could touch him—
BEEP!
A sharp, urgent sound echoed in her mind.
[Warning: User is attempting to breach a personal barrier. Risk of repulsion damage: High.]
Selene's eyes widened, and she quickly pulled her hand back before making contact.
'He has a barrier up?'