Chapter 10: THE BLOOD THAT BINDS
The city did not sleep after Elena’s visit.
It watched.
Kevin felt it everywhere, eyes in reflective windows, tension humming in alleyways, the way even the rats seemed to scurry with purpose. Chicago had always been dangerous, but now it felt alert, as if the streets themselves were bracing for impact.
The Accord refuge was relocated before dawn.
They moved in silence, packs traveling separately, routes staggered. Kevin rode in the back of a nondescript van with Mara while Rwanda moved ahead, cloaked in shadow, ensuring no one followed too closely.
Kevin leaned his forehead against the cool metal wall, exhaustion pressing down on him.
“You okay?” Mara asked quietly.
He shrugged. “Define okay.”
She smirked. “Fair.”
The van slowed, then stopped. R
