Aurelian Vale;
My gaze stays on Zane the moment he walks in and shuts the door behind him.
My fingers keep the book in my hand open as I watch him.
He loosens his jacket as he walks up to my desk with his movements sharper than usual. He hasn't spoken since we stepped inside, and I am boiling over, waiting for words from him.
He looks up at me and immediately drops his gaze. He's ashamed. I can read it off him, but right now, I do not care for his shame or regrets.
I have very clear priorities.
"You're certain it wasn't Anore?" I demand with every building irritation, and he nods, slowly, lifting his face to look at me.
"I'm sure," he replies, and there is no hesitation or doubt in his voice.
"I checked. Several times over. Anore and his accomplices have sunk deeper into the shadows since the deal with Keahi. None of them moved toward Anu's home." He adds, and I study his face.
If he says it isn't Anore, then it isn't Anore.
