My fingers stopped above the crystal lens. The glass glowed faintly, copying the map in silence.
Kael froze beside me. I could feel his breath stop.
The air turned thick and cold.
I started counting in my head, just like Mom taught me when danger came: one… two… three… don't move. Don't breathe.
Footsteps. Getting closer.
"Hide," Kael mouthed silently.
Marcus was already moving, slipping behind the heavy curtains by the window.
I grabbed the crystal lens and dove under Leighton's massive oak desk, pressing myself into the shadowy corner.
Kael melted into the darkness by the bookshelf, so still he could've been a statue.
The door handle turned.
My heart hammered so loudly.
The door opened.
Through the gap under the desk, I saw the boots I used to buy.
The leather.
Polished
