As Lia and I parted ways, I stepped into the cool night air, feeling a sense of both exhaustion and anticipation buzzing under my skin.
The courtyard was mostly deserted now, but just as I was about to head back inside, I noticed Beta Marcus in the distance. Just who I was looking for. He stood by his car, a black Sedan, engaged in conversation with a few of the guards.
I didn't need anyone to tell me that he was going to leave soon after talking with the guards, and so I had to hurry.
Without thinking, I called out, "Beta Marcus!"
He looked up, surprised. Just as I quickened my steps to catch up with him, the guards turning with him. The gravel crunched under my feet, and Marcus’s brow furrowed slightly when he saw me rushing.
"Take it easy, Ayra," he said, holding up a hand as if to
