Chapter 23

Chapter 23. Adrian already knew where Liora was. He had known for two days, not from spies, not from secret reports, but directly from Liora herself. Her words were brief at the time, during a phone call that kept cutting out. I moved. This place is safer. Nolan is still weak. No address. No details. But Adrian didn't ask. He had been too late before, but he had learned that every unnecessary question would only make Liora retreat another step. He simply replied, "I understand." And now he stood across the street, staring at the old building that matched Liora's vague description. Not grand. Not conspicuous. A place chosen by someone who wanted to disappear, not build a new life. The rain fell slowly. Adrian didn't open his umbrella. He wasn't in a hurry. He didn't come to take anyone away. He came to make sure they were truly safe, even if it meant he had to stand outside. The building door opened. Damien stepped out first. Adrian noticed him not because of his face, but because