Chapter 170.2 - Attention

'There's something else here,' Sylvie thought, focusing her [Authority] to sense the emotional hues emanating from the group. The vibrant curiosity and excitement radiating from the girls were obvious, but as her senses sharpened, she caught the faint glimmers of something more, something hidden beneath the surface. 

Her gaze shifted to Tessa first, the tall girl with her confident smile and playful tone. At first glance, her emotions seemed bright and straightforward—curiosity, admiration, and a touch of amusement. But deeper down, beneath the layers, there was a flicker of something sharper. Competitiveness. It wasn't overt, but it was there, like a faint ember burning in the background. 

'She's not just curious,' Sylvie realized. 'She's measuring him. Seeing how he's changed, how he compares.'