"Yes," Derek said matter-of-factly. "In this kind of place, they sell both food and bodies. You just have to make the call."
Alex frowned in disgust. He hadn't realized how filthy this world could get.
"There's a lot you still don't know," Derek continued, his tone light. "But don't rush. You've got time."
Before Alex could respond, the golden-haired girl returned, balancing a tray with practiced grace. She set the dishes before them — one by one — but when her eyes met Alex's, she froze mid-motion. Her breath hitched, and for a heartbeat, she just stared.
Derek cleared his throat loudly, breaking the silence.
"That will be all," he said curtly.
She blinked, bowed quickly, and walked away — though she kept glancing over her shoulder at Alex as she went.
Raphael leaned closer, whispering, "What's with her? She hasn't stopped staring at you."
"I know," Alex murmured. "It's… unsettling."
