Page 155 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

Half the team was still on the far side of the field. Jay lagged behind, clutching his side, his posture tight with pain.

Rain’s stomach dropped.

That wasn’t good.

They waited for the others to return. Jasmine pulled out her portable Connekt, tapping through menus until the timer screen glowed bright.

“Rain, why don’t you go first? You barely picked up a sweat with your superior genetics,” she teased, wiping sweat from her brow.

Rain smirked and stepped into position. He crouched low, fingertips brushing the track, muscles coiled.

“Ready… set… GO!”

He exploded forward, the world blurring at the edges. Wind tore past his ears, his feet barely touching the ground. He stopped at the 100-metre mark, chest rising steadily.

“9.5 seconds!” Jasmine called. “Predictable!”

Wren took off next. Rain walked back toward the group, rolling his shoulders.

“10.5! Amazing! Emily, you’re next!”

Rain’s gaze drifted to the sidelines.

Jay sat hunched over, wheezing, one hand pressed to his ribs. Even without his empathic sense, Rain would have known he was in pain. But with it… the ache hit Rain like a blow to the sternum.

He sighed and walked over, lowering himself beside Jay. He placed a hand on Jay’s shoulder, letting the pain flow into him.

Jay startled, sucking in a breath that was half relief, half panic. His eyes snapped to Rain’s, wide and uncertain.

Rain didn’t speak.

He just absorbed.

Jay’s breath hitched, his heart thudding loudly enough Rain could feel the vibration through his aura.

“What are you doing?” Jay whispered, voice fragile, betraying nerves he couldn’t hide.

Rain kept his hand steady, his expression soft but focused.

“Helping you. You’re in a lot of pain.”

Jay looked away, jaw tightening.

“You don’t have to do that anymore,” he murmured. “I’m not your boyfriend. I don’t deserve the perk.”

The words hit Rain like a slap.

He shot Jay a sharp look; hurt, incredulous, stung.

“I don’t help you as a perk,” Rain said, voice low and firm. “I’m not a gimmick you got to enjoy for a while.”

Jay flinched.

Rain exhaled, the edge in his tone softening.

“I thought we were still friends,” he admitted quietly. “Are we not?”

The question hung between them like a blade.