The man's voice was smooth, almost too smooth, as he assured Lyerin that his mother was safe.
The words rolled off his tongue with an ease that set off alarm bells in Lyerin's mind.
He had anticipated this—these people were masters of deception, and he knew better than to take their words at face value.
'Of course, he's saying that,' Lyerin thought, a sneer forming in his mind. 'They'd say anything to keep me compliant.' The name "Freddie Borgias" wasn't even registered in any of their records, a fact that made this entire charade even more absurd. But he kept his face neutral, nodding as if he were relieved by the man's words.
Before he could respond, the door behind him creaked open, and a doctor entered the room.
Lyerin had sensed the doctor's presence long before he made his appearance, the faint scent of antiseptic and the quiet, measured footsteps giving him away.
