You've nearly made it back to your haven when a familiar-looking man barrels around the corner and down the sidewalk, nearly colliding with you in his haste. His hood falls back, revealing a pair of intense blue eyes staring at you wildly, close-shorn blond hair somehow disheveled despite its length.
Henrik Lang is a mess.
"How far is your haven?" He grips your coat desperately. "Is it close?"
You nod, deeply disturbed to see a Primogen acting in such a fashion. If there's something after him that could frighten him so much, what does that say for your chances if it catches up?
"Good, good," he says. "Take me there, quickly!"
You lead Lang down a less busy side street, watching carefully for threats before disappearing into one of the only shops on your block still open this time of night.
"We can't stay here," Lang says, pulling his hood up to cover his face. "I assume your haven is more defensible?"
"I'm just making sure we're not being followed," you say. "I'm not an elder or a Primogen; I don't stay in a fortress. But my door is reinforced and there's only one way in or out. Plus, Gerard's no slouch."
He bites his lip and dabs the pinprick of blood on his left index finger. "I'm not without my own defenses either, Agad the Imperishable. Don't let my demeanor fool you; I'm no easy meat."
"Then why—"
Lang anticipates your question. "They drained me…the invaders drained me almost dry in their laboratory. I've spent decades experimenting on my own vitae and now not only am I weakened from sustained injuries, but she intends to use my own research against me!" The store clerk is starting to watch him warily, so you decide to take a quick look outside. The streets are clear. Confident as you can be that you're not being followed, you lead Lang the rest of the way to your building.
His lips twist in distaste. "This is your home?" he asks.
"It's one of the most upscale condos in the city core," you reply, offended. "Not to your liking?"
"It's fine," he grunts. "Just not very defensible, is all."
"Well it's what I have to work with. We should get inside."
"Yes," Lang says, eyeing up and down the hall. "Let's."
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