**CHAPTER FORTY**
*ADRIAN*
The weight of the upcoming mission was already bearing down on me, and the tension from the previous argument with Kain still simmered beneath the surface. I could sense the gravity of our situation, the delicate balance we were trying to maintain, and the stakes that had only become more personal. Chloe’s presence had shifted the dynamic, her determination as fiery as ever, and I had to respect her for that. But the challenges ahead were daunting, and I needed to be strategic about our approach.
“Come on,” I said, taking Chloe’s hand and guiding her toward the door. “There’s still a lot to prepare, and I’d like to go over a few things with you before dawn.”
She nodded, her grip firm, her eyes reflecting a mix of anxiety and resolve. I could tell she was stil
