With measured steps, Asher sneaked toward the other end of the corridor, but Harlan stubbornly refused to let him go alone. His fingers stayed wrapped around Asher's wrist like iron chains, unwilling to loosen even for a second.
"I need to do this alone. There's no time," Asher whispered sharply, trying to yank his hand free, but Harlan still didn't budge.
"I made a promise, remember?" Harlan replied in a low voice. "I'm supposed to stay by your side, not somewhere far away while you throw yourself into danger."
Asher clenched his jaw in frustration. Damn it. The guard had vanished already, and now he had no idea where the man went.
"Good job, Harlan," Asher snapped bitterly. "The only chance we had to sort this out just disappeared. Are you happy now?"
His annoyed gaze drifted toward the grand stage where the celebration was still ongoing. Music echoed through the hall, but something about the atmosphere felt wrong. Tense. Heavy.
