"I have so many questions, Lucius…"
"Shh," Lucius hushed him, raising a finger as Emory answered the call.
"Darren? Is that you?" Emory's voice was strained with worry. "Oh, thank goodness! How's Lucius? I just heard about what Lira did to him—I was completely shocked! Is he alright?"
Lucius's expression froze. He turned to Darren, a dark frown forming on his face, realization setting in.
"What the hell did I just hear? Lira attacked me?!" he demanded, anger simmering in his voice as he glared at Darren.
"Lucius? Is that really you?" Emory's voice rang out, laced with surprise as she spoke over the phone.
Lucius let out a small sigh, nodding instinctively even though she couldn't see him. "Yes, Emory, it's me."
"Oh, thank goodness," she replied, relief evident in her voice. "We'd heard something awful happened to you, but it sounds like you're doing alright."
