Orea strolled down the hallway toward the meeting hall in search of Valtor, only to pause when she sensed Lynx trailing silently behind her.
She turned sharply. "Are you following me?"
"I thought that was obvious," he replied flatly.
Her brow arched. "You're helping me look for Valtor?"
"You find that hard to believe?" he said, brushing past her without a glance.
Orea's eyes followed his retreating figure. She exhaled, pressing her fingers to her temples... "Fine. What is it?"
"I'm not sure I understand the question," he murmured, peering through the windows of locked rooms.
"I mean your deal. You've been cold ever since we left the hologram-especially toward me. Avoiding my eyes, shooting daggers when you think I don't notice. It's like you're pissed at me."
Lynx's gaze snapped to hers, sharp and fleeting. "I've got better things to do than be pissed at you."
"See? This is exactly what I mean. I feel like you're expecting an apology, but for what exactly?
"Can you get over yourself for one second, Orea!?" He finally turned, brows furrowed. "The world doesn't revolve around you. Neither do I."
"Okay," she said with a shrug, though her tone was edged. "But here's my question, why help me look for Valtor? You've never cared about him. Or do you now?"
Lynx hesitated, something unreadable flickering across his face. "You're right. I don't."
"Yeah, I know." She rolled her eyes, voice dripping with sarcasm. She moved to walk past him, but his hand shot out, catching her arm.
Orea froze, startled, as his gaze locked onto hers.
"But I care about you," he said quietly.
The words rooted her in place. She searched for something to say, but nothing came.
"And you… care about him," he added, releasing her arm, hazel eyes lingering on hers.
"I'll let you continue your search." His voice softened as he turned away, leaving a stunned Orea behind in the hall.
.................
Malcolm and Valtor sat by the balcony, the city lights sprawling beneath them.
"I hope the superintendent isn't wondering where you are," Valtor said, his gaze fixed on his father's equally blue eyes.
Malcolm smiled faintly. "Superintendent Jeremy left for a private council meeting. No need to worry."
"I have a question," Valtor pressed. His father gave a small nod.
"You work directly with the Vatican government, right?"
"Right."
"So tell me the truth. Were we really taken of our free will?"
Malcolm exhaled, his eyes slipping away to the skyline.
Valtor caught the silence. "So it was a lie, then." He turned back toward the city.
"I had no prior knowledge," Malcolm explained at last. "I was only called in when my services were needed."
Valtor faced his dad once more as he asked, "why'd you let them take me?"
Malcolm shook his head, "It wasn't that simple-"
"Then make it simple. If you didn't consent to the abduction, why didn't you stop it?"
"I tried," Malcolm said quietly.
"But they still took me! and by your very eyes" Valtor's voice cracked, sharper now.
Malcolm shut his eyes as if the words themselves struck him.
"You believe in this?" Valtor accused. "Forcing us to be their pawns in 'saving the world'?"
"I never said that."
"Then why work with them!?"
"I'm sorry, son," Malcolm said, his gaze heavy with regret. "I can't give you the answer you want. Not yet."
Valtor's expression hardened. "Of course you can't. You're on their side."
Malcolm ran a hand through his dark hair. "Everything I've done, I've done for you. The truth you're asking for would only drive you to choices that would put your life in danger. And I can't allow that."
"You already put my life in danger the moment you let them take me," Valtor shot back, rising to his feet.
"Valtor—" his father called.
"I need to go. My friends would be wondering where I am."
Malcolm stood too, pulling a card from his pocket. "At least take this. My details are on it- so you can reach me whenever you need."
Without turning, Valtor accepted it.
"I promise I'll come by to check on you," Malcolm added, resting a hand on his son's shoulder.
Valtor lingered just long enough to steady his breath before walking away towards the elevator, leaving his father on the balcony.