Velmora changed at night.
Not completely—
But enough.
The streets were quieter, though not empty. Movement became more deliberate, more cautious. The people who remained outside weren't wandering—they had purpose.
Or secrets.
The outer storage district felt different from the main city.
Less controlled.
Less observed.
Which made it more dangerous.
"…This isn't just a job," Kael whispered.
"I know."
Andres' senses sharpened slightly. Energy Perception activated at a low level, scanning the environment without drawing attention.
There were presences nearby.
Not hidden.
But restrained.
Watching.
"…We're not alone," he said quietly.
They moved toward the designated location—a large storage structure, dimly lit, silent.
Too silent.
Andres slowed his steps.
His Mind's Eye began mapping possibilities.
Entrances.
Blind spots.
Movement paths.
"…We go in carefully," he said.
Kael nodded.
For the first time since they met—
There was no casual tone.
No relaxed posture.
Only focus.
Because whatever this was—
It wasn't routine.
And as Andres stepped closer to the structure, one thought settled clearly in his mind:
This was the first real test.
Not of his abilities—
But of his decisions.