Flashback — Seconds Before Logan's Collapse
The moment Lira's spell landed, Logan's eyes widened—not from pain, but from sudden, jarring realization.
"She isn't just a Tier 2 mage. And she's using a killing spell. I couldn't use mana earlier. Everything is falling into place now."
The realization sank like ice into his spine. His body flew back from the impact, but his mind raced even faster.
That wasn't normal. It wasn't exhaustion. It wasn't disruption from clashing spells. It was something else.
She had done this to him.
His mind rewound, frame by frame, through the moments just before his mana vanished—the last exchange… her lunge… the blood… her hand brushing his wrist.
A needle!
He remembered the sting. The drop of blood. The way she'd collapsed too easily.
His lips curled bitterly. So… she planned it all.
But it wasn't just betrayal that set his heart pounding.
It was the feeling stirring beneath it.
