As the night deepened, Samantha found Marcus alone in a small study off the main room. He was hunched over an ancient-looking map, his brow furrowed in concentration. She hesitated at the threshold, suddenly unsure if she should interrupt.
Marcus looked up, his piercing gaze locking onto hers. "Samantha. Come in."
She stepped inside, closing the door behind her. The air felt thick with unspoken tension.
"What are you working on?" she asked, moving closer to peer at the map.
Marcus straightened, his tall frame towering over her. "Plotting possible safe routes," he said, his voice low. "The Purists have eyes everywhere. We need to be prepared to move at a moment's notice.
" Samantha nodded, her mind racing. "Marcus, I need to know something," she began, steeling herself. "What aren't you telling me?"
His eyes narrowed slightly. "What makes you think I'm keeping something from you?"
