After all these years, Ryan had long forgotten most of his high school classmates.
He wasn't one for reunions, and this trip back to Jadehaven wasn't just for rest—he had urgent business to settle. Shaking his head at his sister Alahia, he said, "I'll sit this one out. Have fun for me."
"Oh... okay."
Alahia's shoulders slumped. Seeing this, Ryan tousled her hair playfully, coaxing a small smile from her.
After dinner, Ryan sat with his father Zandon, sharing war stories over a nightcap until the older man dozed off. Only then did he retreat to his room.
Standing with his hands clasped behind his back, Ryan gazed out the window, his voice low and steady. "Any progress on the investigation?"
"Nothing concrete yet," came the reply. "But the trail suggests the target was last seen in Jad
