The man in the black trench coat didn't hesitate after Riley's words fell, his sharp eyes cutting through the bleak surroundings. He gave a short nod before dashing off in the direction Eleanor had gone, his movements an impossible blur.
Riley barely registered the rush of wind that followed as the man vanished, leaving him to catch his breath. For a moment, Riley felt the stillness. It wasn't comforting; it pressed against his chest.
He stared at the empty space the man had occupied, knowing there was nothing left for him here—nothing but memories that burned. His throat tightened, and the realization set in: he might not see Eleanor again, not if she couldn't forgive him.
Before the weight of that thought could fully sink in, the man returned—no more than a second had passed, but now he was gripping Riley's arm. His face was unreadable, though a slight frown curled at the edge of his lips.
