CHAPTER FORTY FOUR – RESOLUTION WITH THE PAST

Kayla approached slowly, her footsteps muffled by the soft carpet. "Lance?" she called out softly so as not to startle him. He turned toward her, his expression guarded at first. But his eyes softened a little when he saw it was Kayla. "Kayla," he greeted in a low, rumbling voice. She came to stand next to him at the balcony railing, leaning against it as she looked out at the breathtaking view of the city below. The bright lights and bustling streets seemed full of pulsing life. It was such a stark contrast to the tranquil forest they had fled from recently. Without a word, Kayla reached for the wine bottle and poured herself a glass too. The rich liquid swirled invitingly as she raised the glass to her lips, savoring the bold flavor. "Where's Lana?" she finally asked, glancing over at Lance. A muscle in his jaw twitched as he considered how to respond. "I asked her to move out," he said flatly. "I got her set up in her own place." Kayla's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Really?