Zane's eyelids twitched, and his body jolted awake. His head was still pounding, though dulled now, like a hammer striking underwater.
The first thing he saw when his vision cleared—was a face.
A girl's face.
Zane practically leapt off the bed. "Wha—!? Who the hell are you and why are you—in my room?"
The girl blinked at him, startled but trying to keep her composure. Her long lashes fluttered as she raised both hands gently. "Wait—wait, calm down. My name's Luna. I… I'm with Asher. He said it would be better if someone stayed behind with you. Mira and Asher are coming."
Before Zane could reply, the door slammed open.
"ZANE!"
Mira burst into the room like the walls were collapsing behind her. She rushed to his side, eyes wide, breath short like she had sprinted the entire hallway. Without hesitation, she dropped down, her hands pressing against his shoulders and arms, checking for wounds. "Are you alright? Did something happen? You look pale—you're sweating—"
Zane blinked, more stunned by her reaction than the phantom assassin. "Mira, I'm fine. I swear, if you keep staring at me like that, I'll start charging you rent."
"Not funny!" she snapped, but her voice wavered. Relief softened her scowl as she finally exhaled.
Right then, a portal peeled open in the corner of the room, swirling with light.
Asher stepped out, brushing imaginary dust off his sleeves. "You know, I was going to be a gentleman and open a portal for Mira so she wouldn't have to run through the entire building—"
He pointed at Mira, who was still hovering close over Zane.
"—but no. She bolted like a wildfire and left me talking to myself. Can you believe that?"
Mira didn't even glance at him. She was still focused on Zane.
Asher sighed, muttering, "Figures. Every damn time."