Colt and Elius, clad now like two ordinary rich men, strolled through the bustling mall, blending effortlessly into the crowd.
Colt led the way, his broad shoulders parting the seas of shoppers with ease, his carefree energy washing over everything. Elius followed beside him, quietly observant, his senses sharp, his mind ticking like a silent clock.
Without a word, Colt steered them into the food court, where the smells of every imaginable cuisine drifted and curled into the air like beckoning fingers.
"This," Colt said grandly, spreading his arms wide like a king presenting a feast, "is where you really get to know life, kid."
Elius gave a blank look.
Colt grinned and dragged him to the first stall—a sizzling, smoky stand selling thick, greasy burgers piled high with bacon and dripping with cheese.
"You ever have a real burger before?" Colt said, already pulling out his wallet. He ordered three of the biggest, messiest burgers Elius had ever seen.
