Kaela bit into her toast with feigned caution, as if expecting something to explode. Lassen, on the other hand, sipped his tea with Olympian calm, his eyes fixed on the lines of text slowly scrolling across a holographic screen hovering above the table.
A comfortable silence had settled in, barely disturbed by the faint clinking of dishes. But as often happened in Monsieur X's villa, tranquility was just a prelude.
The door to the villa suddenly burst open. Alex strode in, dressed as always in a perfectly tailored ensemble, tablet in hand.
"Lassen, we need to talk. The decoy project is ready to launch. I've confirmed the channels, the relays, and …"
He stopped short upon seeing Kaela seated at the table.
He eyed her briefly, cautious, then turned toward Lassen.
"Am I interrupting one of your summoning rituals?"
Lassen merely raised his tea with a casual flourish, while Kaela, surprised by the remark, turned toward him.