Behind a dense bush overlooking a narrow dirt track, Daren stood silently, his eyes watching every movement of Layla who was carrying Sam slowly, while Aurel hobbled behind them. His gaze was sharp, no longer looking like the frightened young man who had once been rescued. His face was calculating.
"To the north, near the taro tree," he whispered softly.
The wind ruffled some of his hair that covered his face. A faint smile appeared at the corners of his lips-not a happy smile, but a smile full of plans.
All this time, Daren had been playing a role. Feigning distress, feigning trauma, feigning trust with Adora, Layla, and even Bella. He knew when to duck, and when to bare his fangs. Victor trusted him with one mission: to monitor and report.
"They think I'm taking sides." Daren sighed
