However, the next instant, the red magic crystal embedded in Julius' necklace buzzed to life with vigor, tickling his chest.
Astounded by the sudden reaction, he stared at the famished child and his mother, confusion etched on his face before realising Khalid had stood a distance away, just outside the device's detection range the entire time.
"Well, we found one faster than I thought." A mutter escaped his lip. Then, he turned to the mother and spoke of her son's bright future as a college student.
As her eyes widened in a mix of disbelief, confusion and joy, the little girl peeking behind the door raced to them. Warm tears flowed down her cheeks, and panic overwhelmed her heart. "D-Don't steal my brother, bad guys!" She yelled, hiding her fears behind a strong facade despite her shaking legs.
