ALIONAS POV
Julian’s office door was slightly ajar when I walked down the hallway, clutching the folder I had just finished compiling for Doctor Carter. The sharp scent of antiseptic floated in the air, mixed with the faint trace of rain that had begun to fall outside. I’d been meaning to speak with Julian, to ask if there was any update from the border patrol about the rogues’ movements, but before I could knock, the door swung open.
Julian nearly collided with me.
His eyes—usually calm, steady, and a little guarded—were wild. His shirt sleeves were rolled halfway up, and his hair looked like he’d run his hand through it one too many times. There was something frantic about the way he moved, as if the air itself had turned into smoke and he was suffocating on it.
“Julian?” I called s
