67. Making New Friends

"How did you find him?" His gaze flickered toward Hawkbone, sharp with curiosity. "He… he actually found me!" she admitted, her voice laced with nervous energy. "I was lost, and he just—showed up!" He studied her for a moment, then his eyes dropped to her wrist. "And what did he tell you about that bracelet of yours?" Her fingers instinctively curled around the metal band. It was a simple piece, yet something about it felt weightier now under his observance. Her gaze drifted around the room—Ray wore a similar metal ring, and Esteban’s thick silver chain hung loosely over his dark suit. "He told me it protects me from the sun," she murmured, twisting the bracelet around her wrist, suddenly aware of its significance. A slow, knowing smile stretched across his lips. "Yes… and do you know what happens when we don’t protect ourselves from the sun?" She hesitated. His tone suggested there was more to it than the usual myths. "Because... we burn?" she guessed, squinting as she awaited his rea