The smell of old air and fear stayed on Eki's clothes while she stood before Yemi in the quiet hallway. The weak light coming through tiny cracks in the heavy metal door made long, strange shadows on the damp walls.
The silence between them became very intense, full of unspoken thoughts. Eki gripped the paintbrush tightly, feeling it was something solid to hang onto while Yemi's sad expression revealed everything without saying a word. Ayo and Dapo huddled by the entrance, their faces etched with concern.
"Yemi," Eki finally spoke, her voice shaking with anger and hurt from feeling betrayed. "Why are you doing this?"
Yemi, looking pale and disheveled, scoffed. "How could I? Don't be naive, Eki. This city thrives on sacrifice. The Leases are merely a means to an end."
"A means to your e
