29. No one's fool.

Outside, Olivia had barely gotten a good look at him—surrounded by Betas, overwhelmed by fear. But now, standing before him, her breath caught in her throat. His clothes were torn, streaked with blood. He looked as if he had just returned from battle. Yet, around them, no one reacted. Everyone passed by as if this was normal. Is this what goes on in the packhouse? The realization settled in—those outside the packhouse truly had no idea what happened within its walls.

Olivia's brows furrowed as she pointed at the shredded remains of his clothes.

Devon exhaled slowly, watching the fear in her eyes shift into concern as she took a step closer, her gaze scanning him.

"Are you injured?" she signed.

He said nothing, merely letting out a breath through his nose. Then, with unexpected childishness, he slumped against the wall as if his legs had suddenly given out. "Ouch."