Chapter 194: Under Attack

LUMINA

Again, Riley's attention drifted to the windows and ceiling, his body tensing as if preparing to flee. I watched him note the position of the door, the distance to the balcony, the height of the ceiling tiles. It was like watching a trapped animal calculating escape routes.

"She taught me how to be quiet," he said finally. "And how to sit still. And how to not be trouble."

"Those sound like very grown-up things to learn. Did you have time to play and be a kid?"

Riley looked genuinely confused by the question. "Play is for after you earn it. You have to do your...