Irina's POV
The girl's grip on my hand felt desperate, like I was her last lifeline. Her eyes pleaded with an intensity that made my chest tighten.
"Come find me here tomorrow at nine," I said with a sigh, brushing a wayward lock of hair from her face. "I'll do what I can for your grandmother."
"Thank you." Her expression brightened before worry crept back in. "But... I can't afford to pay you anything."
I let out a soft laugh. "Don't stress about it. Consider it pro bono work." Money wasn't exactly an issue for me these days.
Her eyes filled with tears. "I'm so grateful. I promise I'll find a way to repay you."
"Just make it home safely," I said, preparing to walk away. "And stay off Liberty Avenue."
She looked confused but nodded anyway, then slipped into the shadows and vanished into the darkness.
———
After the charity event ended, Erik departed with his crew, his thoughts consumed by the strange incident from earlier.
