"Where are we going?" I asked, my voice edged with wariness as Laren and I trailed behind Maria through the darkened alleyways.
"Our... hideout," Laren replied, though his voice trembled slightly, betraying his unease.
Sensing something was off, I reached out, stopping him before he could take another step. My voice dropped to a whisper as I locked eyes with him. "Laren, what happened? You're acting... strange."
He pushed my hand away, avoiding my gaze as he continued to follow Maria, his shoulders tense. "What do you mean?"
My brow furrowed as I scrutinized his expression, catching a flicker of fear in his eyes. "You're hiding something. Did something weird happen?"
He merely clenched his jaw, remaining silent, and I sighed, deciding to let it go for now. Pressing him might only make him shut down completely.
