Adrian found him on the transition platform between floors, waiting for the gate to stabilize.
"A moment of your time?" His voice carried that pleasant warmth that made everyone trust him, and Dante had to consciously stop his hand from moving toward his sword.
"What do you want?"
"Just to talk." Adrian settled beside him while maintaining a respectful distance, his body language open and unthreatening. "We fought well together against the serpent, and I'd like to understand you better."
"There's nothing to understand."
"I disagree." The smile never wavered, but something sharpened behind those hazel eyes. "You move like you've done this before, Dante. Not just fought, but climbed. Every floor, every challenge, you react before the danger appears, and that level of anticipation suggests either precognition or experience you shouldn't have."
'He's smart, always was, the traitor act doesn't require stupidity just emptiness.'
"I'm observant."
