Kai shook the offered hand. Theron's grip was firm, his calluses those of a warrior who still trained daily despite his administrative role.
But as their hands clasped, Theron's eyes widened slightly. His energy probing—subtle but present—had touched Kai's aura.
"You're..." Theron's voice lowered. "You're stronger than you appear. Much stronger." His gaze sharpened. "And there's something else. Something I've never felt before. It's almost like..." He released Kai's hand and stepped back. "You have your mother's eyes and your father's discipline. But you have something else entirely. Something ancient."
Kai's expression didn't change, but internally he was impressed. Most people couldn't sense magical energy at all, let alone identify its quality. Theron clearly had some sensitivity, ev
