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"Their connection is… quite pronounced," Volt observes. "Not unlike certain temperature fluctuations I've been noticing around here."

My skin darkens. " I don't know what you're implying."

"Don't you?" He cocks his head, spearing me with a knowing look. " I've seen how the crystals respond when you two are in the same room. How you always seem to know exactly when she's approaching, even before she makes a sound."

"Coincidence," I mutter, though something deep within me stirs at his words—an ancient recognition I'm not ready to acknowledge.

"If you say so." His knowing rumble makes my tail lash with agitation. "Though she seems equally… attuned to you. I noticed her documenting it in that spreadsheet of hers. Column labeled 'inexplicable awareness.' Quite the scientific approach to something so primal."

Heat creeps up my neck. “Don’t start with that mate bond nonsense again. Just because the Mothman found his perfect match doesn’t mean the rest of us are susceptible.”

“Sure,” Volt drawls. “Which is why you haven’t left the mountain since she arrived. Your excuse has been that ‘Blair might need something.’“

My clawed hand instinctively touches her hair tie in my pocket. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“To answer your other question, the doctor’s comparing her lab results to baseline human norms while theorizing about cryptid metabolic variations.” Electricity arcs through his plumage. “She asked if I’d consider providing samples for her research.” He chuckles, wings fluttering with amusement.

“She seems dedicated,” is all I say, hoping to change the subject that’s gotten a bit too focused on me.

“Speaking of research…” Volt’s massive form settles beside me, careful not to dislodge any rocks. “Your wing’s not healing properly.”

My skin darkens as I pull the injured appendage closer. “It’s fine.” The memory of that night flashes unbidden—desperate wings beating against rain, another Jersey Devil’s terrified eyes locked on mine as hunters closed in.

“Really?” Volt’s static electricity makes my horns tingle. “Because according to our resident biochemist, that kind of injury should show significant improvement by now. Unless there’s something you’re not telling us.”

Before I can deflect, Blair’s voice drifts to us from inside the cavern.

“The crystal formations’ resonance patterns suggest some form of energy conductivity, but without proper equipment to measure the frequencies…” Her voice carries that blend of frustration and fascination that’s become her default state.

“Perhaps if we adjusted the sensitivity settings?” That’s Marina, who’s appointed herself both nurse and research assistant. “We Water Sprites can detect subtle vibrations that most instruments miss.”

Peering inside, I watch Blair scribble rapid notes while Marina demonstrates something with her fins. The lavender in Blair’s hair catches the crystal light, and her expression…

“You’re staring.” Volt’s knowing rumble makes my skin flush red.

“I’m monitoring a valuable asset.” The words come out more defensive than intended. “She has critical intelligence about Apex’s operations.”

“Uh-huh.” His wings create shadows that dance across the ledge. “That’s why you’ve barely left the mountain since we brought her here. Because you’re… gathering intel.”

“Someone needs to make sure she doesn’t push herself too hard. Her understanding of our security protocols seems surprisingly thorough.”

Yesterday she worked straight through dinner, analyzing data from her smuggled drive. I literally had to confiscate her tablet and stand guard while she ate the food I brought her. And just this morning, she tried to convince Cliff to let her study his Sasquatch healing abilities, despite barely having the strength to stand.

“Doesn’t push herself too hard, huh? That’s a convenient excuse.” Volt’s expression can only be described as smug. “Almost as convenient as your wing injury keeping you grounded here. With her.”

My fang-filled growl holds warning, but he just laughs.

“Fine, keep your secrets.” Rising, his wings spread wide. “But she’s sharper than most. You really think she won’t figure out something’s wrong?”

Before I can respond, he launches into the air, wings catching a current. This leaves me with uncomfortable thoughts and the sound of Blair’s voice drifting up from below.

“The energy transfer rates are fascinating, but there seem to be biological components we’re missing…” Blair’s bent over her notes, hair falling forward to frame her face. “If we could just isolate the variables…”

“Perhaps a break first?” Marina suggests gently. “You’ve been at this for hours.”

“Just a few more calculations.” But her valiant attempt at nonchalance can’t hide her exhaustion.

Time to intervene before she works herself into collapse. As I approach, Marina’s scales shimmer with knowing amusement. “I’ll leave you to it,” the Water Sprite says, sliding gracefully into her pool near our internal waterfall.