I turned to Jayden, Claire, and Yelena.
"I changed my mind. You guys wait inside. I have something to check."
They nodded without question and headed back through the entrance. Once they were gone, I looked up toward the rooftop and spoke clearly into the open air.
"You're already here… why are you hiding?"
There was a brief pause, then a soft swish of fabric. Akane dropped down from her vantage point and landed lightly in front of me. She wore a fitted black assassin's outfit beneath a long black cloak, her face hidden behind a dark mask that left only her sharp eyes visible.
"How are you?" she asked, voice even.
"I'm fine. Were you worried about me?"
Akane's eyes narrowed slightly.
"No. If someone wants to die by themselves, I figure I cannot save them." The words carried a clear edge of contempt.
I stepped closer.
"Are you still angry about that?"
She turned her head away.
