Jadon was still leaning into Evan, her breathing finally steady, when something in the air shifted.

Not her power. Not this time. Something else.

Evan’s heartbeat changed just a little. A quickened thrum beneath her cheek, a flicker of tension tightening his muscles. It wasn’t fear. It wasn’t anger.

It was worry. For her. And her power felt it.

A soft pulse of warmth rose from her chest, instinctively. Not a surge. Not a flare. Just a flicker like a candle flame leaning toward him.

Evan ...