Rui stared in wonder at her palm where a translucent plum blossom hovered, its petals unfurling in delicate spirals of pink and gold light.
The flower pulsed with her heartbeat, growing more radiant with each passing second.
"I did it," she whispered, her voice trembling with excitement.
But her triumph was short-lived. The blossom suddenly flared, its petals elongating into whips of chaotic energy that lashed outward.
One tendril scorched the table's edge; another narrowly missed Kee Kee, who yelped and dove behind a teapot.
"It's—I can't—" Panic seized her as the illusion twisted into something wild and uncontrolled.
Zou moved with practiced grace, his hand capturing hers.
Golden energy flowed from his fingertips, weaving through the chaotic tendrils of Rui's creation. The wild energy receded, coiling back into the form of the plum blossom.
"Easy," he murmured, his breath warm against her ear.
