all happens fast, matter of seconds——pace all too familiar lacking usual stability in the face of distress. control commanded so effortlessly slips, as does solid surface beneath nimble feet. fear doesn’t proceed ⤸
⠀⠀
it only takes a single glance to figure out 𝒉er intentions , how … brazen ——- but , who’s he to deny her this flight .
“ ALLOW ME , “ roared , another frightening lunge . foot raised , entire weight of his larger than life body came crashing down on the heel . ⤸
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cheeks sting when she tilts crown, aware but hoping she’s wrong——and like a parasite, ℎ𝑒’s there. 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦. latched onto self, metal grip an ugly contrast against inked skin. “ get 𝙤𝙛𝙛 𝙢𝙚! ” ⤸
mirrored as such, own cerulean brightens: with perception altered … new light. relaxes into recognition. half a step away from acceptance. “ how have i never … were you veiled? ”
missed her by a mere fraction. “ catch me if you can, kaidros! ” checking next window, hit loading elbow to knuckle with magic. attempts seemingly fruitless; and still. 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 to keep her running.
coiled tighter, ready to snap at a moment’s notice; anticipation, tension simmering through every tendon. pulse hammered within ears in equal measure, torrent, purpose filled, closing in. she’s known raw power ⤸
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“ YOU ARE A PEST , 𝑨ERIN—- “ blatantly ignoring other’s concern , disregard is shared by the ship … which kept rising && rising despite vocal complaints .
“ that’s the role you seem determined to play , so 𝑰 … must play m͟i͟n͟e͟ . “ vorynn high general , ⤸
⠀⠀
before. but he didn’t know the wind. 𝑪𝑳𝑰𝑵𝑲! tech clatters to floor where aerin once stood——now, sent skidding back just out of reach by pull of wind, balled fists land repeated knocks against glass. ⤸
“ … a partnership. ” here comes business. waiting a beat to ensure luck hasn’t been pushed too far. “ i’m confident many of the things you need, i can provide. ”
oh, don't talk to her about legacy. she's got the weight of generations on her shoulders. a literal key to the city her family had a hand in founding.
there's a longer pause, cogs whirring in her head, assessing, before caitlyn says one word:
❛how?❜