The long hallway of the residential building was quiet, except for the sound of Cordelia's boots against the floor. I walked beside her in silence. The air between us felt thick and heavy. Outside, the storm had faded to a steady, cold drizzle that tapped against the tall windows.
When we reached the ground floor and stepped into the main lounge, I looked around. A dozen eyes snapped toward us instantly.
This wasn't a fancy hall.
It was the open lounge area of the elite building where we always gathered, the place where we shared late-night meals, crashed on the sofas, and talked before missions. The moment we stepped into the room, every conversation died instantly.
Everyone was already there.
Roan, Alice, Riven, Nyra, Caster, Lyssaria, Elisabeth, Julia, and Amelia were scattered across the lounge, their postures tense as their eyes snapped toward us. One by one, their expressions shifted, as their gaze landed on Cordelia.
