Kolton emerged from the distant room, his steps measured but tense. The group remained absorbed in their game, Stella and her companions too focused on the music and laughter to register his presence. However, his friends caught sight of him immediately.
Alvin's jaw tightened as he watched Kolton's approach. He started to rise, intending to follow, but the music halted abruptly when the bowl landed in his hands.
The game meant nothing to him now. He had seen Kimi disappear in that direction after leaving the room. Nobody else had entered after her and the boy they had dispatched. Yet here was Kolton, materializing from nowhere.
Alvin pushed himself off the couch with deliberate force.
"I'm finished with this."
"But the turn is yours now."
The voice belonged to Rylie, one of Kimi's friends. Alvin turned toward her with barely concealed irritation.
"Where did Kimi go?" His tone cut through the casual atmosphere.
