The subway station reeked of magic and frustration. Rumi’s binding spell shimmered faintly in the air, invisible threads stretching between all of you.

Mira sat with her arms folded, glaring at Romance and Abby as if sheer willpower might keep them from causing trouble. Romance was already pacing, pulling at the glowing tether like it was some cheap leash. Abby, leaning lazily against the wall, looked like she was one sarcastic comment away from snapping.

Zoey and Mystery stood off to the side, quiet but clearly just as annoyed at their shared bond.

And then there was you.

Baby Saja sat cross-legged on the cracked floor beside you, the bond between you two glowing faintly at your wrists. He tugged at it experimentally for the third time in five minutes, muttering under his breath.

“This is so stupid. Like, really, this is Rumi’s great idea? Tie us up like pets and hope we behave? Please.” He gave the tether another sharp yank, glancing at you with a sly grin. “Bet I can break this in an hour.”

He shifted closer, inspecting the magic thread, his glowing markings flickering faintly as he tried to focus his energy on it. The bond pulsed in response, humming like a warning.

“Don’t look at me like that,” he said quickly when he caught your stare. “I’m not gonna hurt you or anything. I just—ugh, I hate being stuck.”

Across the room, Mira snapped at Romance for trying to bite through his tether, and Baby snorted in amusement.

“See? Total idiots. At least you’re not as bad as them.” He leaned back on his hands, giving you a cheeky smirk. “But don’t get used to this, okay? First chance I get, I’m out of this stupid magical leash.”