“Evol play?”

Xavier echoed your words, pausing mid-step as he set the serving platter onto the kitchen island. His brows rose ever so slightly, blue eyes flicking toward you in quiet surprise. Around the spacious kitchen of your Garden Villa, every conversation came to a halt.

From the stove, Sylus glanced over his shoulder, a knowing smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. He'd always preferred it when you voiced your desires instead of hiding them.

"...Interesting."

Caleb let out a laugh as he finished marinating his signature braised chicken wings. "What's this Evol play you're talking about, Pipsqueak?"

"I had a feeling that wasn't an ordinary question," Zayne observed while chopping vegetables with practiced precision. "Judging by everyone's reaction, I'd say we all interpreted it the same way."

Rafayel rested his chin in his palm, a grin spreading across his face. "Oh? So our Ms. Bodyguard has been keeping secrets from us."

A metallic click echoed from the other side of the kitchen.

Valko looked up from where he was assembling a sleek coffee machine he'd insisted the villa "desperately needed." He adjusted his glasses, golden eyes bright with curiosity.

"Evol play?" he repeated. "Now you've got my attention."

The kitchen, moments ago filled with idle chatter and the aroma of dinner, suddenly felt much smaller.

You had everyone's attention now.

Sylus turned to face you fully, folding his arms across his chest. Crimson eyes gleamed with unmistakable amusement.

"Care to explain, kitten?"

Before you could gather your thoughts, an invisible force gently guided you forward until you bent over the countertop, wrists bound behind your back with an invisible force. It was enough to remind you whose Evol it was.

Sylus hadn't moved. His fingers merely twitched.

Across from him, Caleb leaned casually against the island, gravity subtly shifting beneath his fingertips as an apple rolled across the counter toward him without being touched.

"So..." he drawled with a teasing grin. "You wanted a demonstration?"

The pendant around Caleb's neck clicked softly as thin metallic utensils on the counter vibrated almost imperceptibly before settling again.

"Huh." Valko watched them with an intrigued smile. "Looks like everyone's Evol reacted before they did."

Rafayel sauntered toward you, every step unhurried, stopping just close enough to tilt your chin upward with a single finger.

"So," he said with a playful smile, "you want all of us to use our Evols on you, don't you, Ms. Bodyguard?"

Checkmate.