Kaya stared at him, feeling her patience snap like a brittle twig. That was the third time he'd said the same thing—each word a weight pressing down on her resolve.
Without warning, she pulled out her small gun, the metal cool and unforgiving in her hand. She raised it slowly, carefully aiming it at his temple.
She didn't like using it. Bullets were scarce—too precious to waste on empty threats. But honestly, if firing one bullet meant making this man shut up and disappear, it felt worth it.
"I don't care," she said, her tone clipped and cold. "I don't care what your story is. Just get lost. If you cause any trouble, I'll shoot. No second chances."
She turned away, the gravel crunching sharply under her boots as she walked back toward the dark mouth of the cave.
Then—
"The vultures," Vayu said quietly behind her. "They're looking for you."
Her steps faltered. Her whole body tensed like a coiled spring.
