The heavy silence of the corridors pressed down on them as they moved, the only sounds were their steady footsteps and the occasional distant drip of water from the old stone walls.
Dexter walked beside Elena, his gaze forward but his mind elsewhere.
"She should've been back by now," Elena muttered, her grip tightening on her blade.
Dexter didn't answer right away. He knew who she meant.
Stacy.
"She stayed behind for a reason," Dexter said finally, his voice calm but distant.
Elena let out a frustrated sigh. "Yeah? And what reason would make sense?"
Dexter exhaled slowly, eyes flicking to her. "Kate."
Elena frowned, glancing at him. "What do you mean?"
Dexter's fingers twitched slightly—a rare slip in control. "They weren't just comrades, Elena. They were close. Stacy never said it out loud, but everyone knew. Kate wasn't just another Legionnaire to her."
Elena's expression shifted. Understanding. And then, guilt.
