Kain's expression remained frozen in confusion long after the communicator was off, his thumb idly tracing the edges of the device as if hoping answers might somehow seep through. The silence stretched until Serena gently cleared her throat, her voice cautious.
"Everything okay?"
Kain looked up slowly, still somewhat dazed. His eyes finally refocused on Serena, who wore a carefully constructed mask of concern over her lingering curiosity. He hesitated, considering exactly how to unpack everything he'd just heard.
"It's...complicated," he said finally, releasing a long breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. He leaned back into the couch cushions, feeling the warmth of Serena's shoulder still pressed reassuringly against his own. "I sent Darius, Malzahir, and the others on a mission to find someone."
Serena's eyebrow arched gracefully, curiosity clearly overriding her previous caution. "Someone?"
