Hunter's visit lingers like an unwanted shadow, his departure leaving behind a palpable tension.
The moment the door closes behind him, Marcus exhales sharply, irritation flashing across his features.
"Hugh! Finally, that old man!" he mutters, rolling his shoulders as though shaking off the weight of wasted time. "Let's get going now."
Anna, however, doesn't move.
She hesitates, crossing her arms and tilting her chin up slightly, her expression unreadable but sharp with intent. "Look, Marcus," she says, her voice edged with impatience. "I seriously don't see any reason why we're going around in circles. There's no need for us to waste time and a sacrifice just to find Lucian. Whatever you want him for, I bet it's not important."
Marcus narrows his eyes, scrutinizing her with growing suspicion. "What do you mean?"
Anna holds her ground, her impatience now mingling with something more complex, something she refuses to name. She knows she doesn't Marcus to find Lucian though.
