Jace reached for the window button, but Elias grabbed his arm, his voice a panicked whisper. "Wait! What if it's Viktor?"
Jace smirked, shaking his head.
"There's no way Viktor's here, Elias. I covered our tracks. Relax." He pressed the button, and the window slid down with a soft hum.
The man outside bent down, his face coming into view under the dim streetlight. Elias's eyes widened, his breath catching. It wasn't Viktor. It was his uncle, Marcus, his father's brother.
His weathered face broke into a wide grin, his eyes crinkling with recognition.
"Elias? Is that you? God, it's been years!"
Elias exhaled, his shoulders sagging with relief, though his heart still raced. He stepped out of the car, forcing a small smile.
"Uncle Marcus. I... didn't expect to see you."
Marcus laughed, pulling Elias into a quick, awkward hug.
"Didn't expect to see you either, kid! I was just passing by, and saw this car parked outside your old place. What's going on? You moving out?"
