[Pendora]

Kael nodded slowly.

"So she really is the head of the Veiled Serpents."

Yue drifted alongside him, her voice clipped and serious.

"Yes.

And she's dangerous, Kael.

You need to be careful around her."

Kael gave a short laugh.

"Yue, I'm the most cautious man I know."

Yue groaned. "So. The map?"

Kael blinked. "Oh. That."

He reached into his space ring and fished around until his hand brushed parchment.

He pulled it out and unfurled it, more curious than concerned.

Then he froze.

Not because of the map. But because of Yue's reaction.

She went very still.

Her eyes scanned the glyphs once.

Then again.

Slower.

Kael's smile faltered.

"You okay?"

Yue didn't speak.

Her expression was unreadable—tightly controlled, but her fingers twitched.

Kael leaned in, frowned.

"Wait... you can read this?"