Her face was flushed, sweat beading on her forehead. Her eyes tracked him with an intensity that made his skin prickle.
"Kurogane!" Coach Yamada called. "Why are you standing around? Get moving!"
Rina didn't respond. She just kept staring at Akira, her chest heaving, and her whole body trembling.
"Darling, something's wrong," Ai's voice cut through his thoughts. "Rina's energy signature is spiking. Rapidly."
"What do you mean spiking?"
"Her demonic essence… it's destabilizing. The Soul Seed is…"
Rina moved.
One moment she was across the field, the next she was right in front of him, having crossed the distance in seconds. Her hand grabbed his wrist with bruising strength.
"Equipment shed. Now," she hissed through clenched teeth.
"Rina, what…"
"Now, Akira. Please." Her voice cracked with desperation. "I can't… I need… just come with me. Please."
Coach Yamada was looking their way now, frowning. Other students had noticed too, whispering among themselves.
"Fine. Let's go."
