The safehouse was small, hidden deep within the outskirts of the city, surrounded by thick woods and silence. The place smelled of damp air and old secrets. Adrian led the way, every step measured, his expression unreadable. I followed, my heart still racing from the chase.
He pushed the door open and motioned for me to enter first. Inside, a single light bulb flickered above a wooden table. There were maps pinned to the wall, coded documents spread across the floor, and a faint hum from an old generator outside.
“How long have you had this place?” I asked, trying to steady my voice.
“Years,” Adrian said quietly. “Before everything started falling apart.”
I took a breath and faced him. “You should have told me the truth from the beginning.”
His jaw tightened. “You would have run.”
“M
