"Rian," Kaira said, nodding toward the bucket, "try the water again. You said it worked before, right? When you fought in the courtyard, you used the fountain's water."
Charles sighed, scratching his neck.
"Yeah, but I'm not feeling anything now," he replied, doubt in his tone. "I don't know if it's the water, the movement, or what."
Kaira leapt to her feet.
"That's why we gotta try!" she exclaimed, crossing her arms. "You're not giving up just 'cause you don't feel a tingle, are you? Come on, stick your hands in!"
Charles eyed her, hesitating. But Kaira's bright, confident gaze made him sigh again.
He had nothing to lose.
He stepped to the bucket, half-filled with clear water, and slowly dipped his hands in.
The water was cold, sending a shiver up his arms.
Kaira watched eagerly, leaning forward with her hands on her knees.
"Well?" she said, her voice anxious. "Feel anything?"
