Chapter 43

• Julian sat on one of the high bar stools of the dingy downtown bar. He sat quietly in his seat, looking quite out of place with his suit and highborn bearings, which was a stark contrast against the other jean and plaid-clothed men.
• But he didn't mind; he was just after some peace and quiet away from his cuckoo brother and his stupid obsession, away from the steady falling of Montgomery and the rapid rise of its opposition, Reyes.
• "Are you okay?" a calm, lilting voice flitted over to the darkest place in his mind where he had locked away himself. He looked up and was met by a pair of bright green eyes that seemed too clear to be real. It belonged to a cute girl with dyed short hair and an easy, carefree demeanor, and he slowly found himself warming up to her calm smile, but he kept his face neutral.