"Aden."
Florian stiffened at the sound of the chief's voice. He turned sharply, finding Augustus stepping out of Leila's house, his old face lined with concern. The dim torchlight cast long shadows over his features, making the deep wrinkles on his forehead seem even more pronounced.
Florian's heart pounded against his ribs.
'Crap.'
"C-Chief..." His voice stuttered slightly as he instinctively took a step back, eyes darting around as if searching for an escape. "What are you doing out? How's Leila?"
Before Augustus could answer, another voice cut in—this one sharp, unimpressed.
"You're asking him why he came out? You and your aide practically ran out of there."
Florian turned to see Kane, the chief's nephew, following closely behind. His expression was as harsh as ever, his narrowed eyes filled with suspicion.
