I returned to Mia that night, her eyes lighting up the moment I stepped in. But there was no joy in my heart to return. My chest was heavy, my mind conflicted.
“I’m considering resigning from here,” I said, my voice low but steady.
Her head snapped up, shock clear on her face. “What? Kael, what do you mean by that? Why would you… why would you suddenly want to leave the job?”
I swallowed, keeping my expression unreadable. “I’m in some kind of situation… something I can’t really explain right now. But one thing I swear to you, Mia, I’ll always have your back. Always.”
From my pocket, I pulled out a small, black crest-shaped pendant engraved with a falcon. It was no ordinary trinket—it was an emergency signal linked to me. I placed it gently in her palm, closing her fingers over it.
“Wh
