The late afternoon air was cool against Noah's face as he and Lila walked along the perimeter of the Eclipse Faction compound. The industrial district stretched out beyond the fence, abandoned warehouses and rusted machinery creating a landscape of decay that contrasted sharply with the organized structure they'd built here.
Lila walked with her hands in her jacket pockets, her blonde hair catching the fading sunlight. She hadn't said much since they'd left the building, just fell into step beside him like they'd done this a hundred times before.
"I missed you too," Noah said finally, breaking the silence.
Lila stopped walking, turned to face him. Her pale blue eyes searched his face, looking for lies or politeness or obligation. Whatever she found there made her smile—not that dangerous edge she'd worn inside, but something softer.
She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him.
