"Stop."
Kael's voice cut through the stale air like a blade, sharp and commanding. Rhea froze mid-step, her fingers mere inches from the lock. She turned her head slowly, amber eyes meeting his. "What?"
He limped toward his bedroom, his face tight with pain, blood still seeping through the makeshift bandage of his knotted t-shirt. His boots scuffed against the tile, a sluggish, dragging sound that only emphasized his battered state.
"I'll deal with this right here and now. Wait here." His voice was rough, edged with exhaustion, but unwavering.
Rhea gave a short nod, understanding passing between them in silence. She shifted back, bare shoulders tensing beneath the straps of her bra, arms folding as she pressed herself against the wall. Her gaze flicked to the black suitcase he dragged out moments later.
She knew that suitcase.
Not her first time seeing the tools inside.
