The next morning, I checked my messages, hoping for something – anything from Alpha Don. Ever since that call, there had been nothing but silence. No follow-up. No update. Just... nothing.
Anxiety twisted in my chest. Had I made a mistake? Chosen the wrong ally?
I pulled out my phone and, on impulse, typed a quick message.
"Any news?"
I barely had time to put the phone down before it started to ring, an incoming video call.
It was Don.
Without thinking it through, I accepted the call. As my own reflection popped up on the screen, I groaned internally. I looked like I’d just rolled out of bed, because I was still in my pajamas, my hair an untamed mess. The sight made Don burst into laughter.
My face flushed with embarrassment. “Don’t laugh at me!” I said, crossing my arms defensively
