[Port of Sands — 10:22 AM — Day 14]
The Port of Sands smelled of salt, motor oil, fried fish, and something Max identified as cheap boat fuel mixed with cheap magic.
"Welcome to the only place in the ocean where the Temple and pirates share a table," said Max as he tied up the boat. "Rule number one: no one asks where you come from. Rule number two: no one answers if they ask."
"Rule number three?" asked Jessica with her notebook ready.
"Don't write rules in public."
Jessica took notes anyway.
---
The team disembarked in order.
First, Alex.
Dark cap, black sunglasses, his jacket hood pulled up. His completely white hair was visible at the edges because a cap didn't cover all of that hair. The sunglasses hid his eyes but not the rest of his face.
He stopped on the dock and looked at the port.
*No one is looking at me,* he thought. *Good.*
Three people on the dock looked directly at him.
*No one who matters is looking at me,* he corrected.
Behind him came Grim.
