Andrey nodded, turning to the others. "Wait here. I'll be back shortly."
Sarah's eyes narrowed, but she didn't argue. Lisa gave a small, reassuring smile. Sein remained silent, her gaze fixed somewhere in the distance.
Hope gestured for Andrey to follow, and they walked a short distance away, toward a quieter corner near a row of emergency vehicles. The chaos of the plaza was a dull backdrop now, medics and officials moving with purpose but no longer frantic.
Once they were out of earshot, Andrey spoke first. "You arrived quickly, Hope. Your guild's territory is on the other side of the city. Even at full speed, that's a twenty-minute response time."
Hope's cheeks flushed slightly. She tucked a strand of golden hair behind her ear, her gaze darting away for a moment before returning to his face. "Ah, well... I happened to be in the area. I saw the emergency alert and... I was worried. Especially since I knew you had just cleared a double gate. You must be exhausted."
