Arion discovered Nero at the Draxil military airfield.
For several seconds, he considered getting back on the aircraft.
The jet had barely finished taxiing beneath the reinforced shelter when Arion descended the steps with Victor behind him, cool afternoon wind catching at the open front of his dark field coat and carrying the dry scent of fuel across the concrete.
Hendrik waited beside three armored vehicles near the edge of the secured apron.
So did Nero.
Hale stood a step behind him.
Arion stopped on the final stair and closed his eyes.
Victor nearly walked into him.
"What?"
Arion opened them again.
"I am deciding whether my life is easier when Dean follows me or when Nero does."
Nero heard him from several meters away.
"You're welcome."
"I did not thank you."
"No, but you looked emotional."
Hale's expression remained impressively neutral.
