Amberine and Maris sat across from Draven, their eyes on him with an unusual mix of curiosity and determination. They noticed something different about the professor today. The usual biting coldness still lingered, but the sharp edges of his personality seemed to have softened slightly. Maybe it was his earlier interaction with the children. He wasn't throwing out his usual snide remarks, and his demeanor, though still cold and calculating, seemed more approachable than it had been in a long time.
Maris leaned forward, her voice careful. "Professor, I have to ask... Is there a specific technique you recommend for stabilizing the emotional fluctuations in the orb?"
Draven tilted his head, his gaze shifting to her, as if assessing the depth of her question. His eyes, sharp as always, seemed to pierce through her as he thought. When he finally spoke, his voice was measured, almost philosophical.
