The sharp boom echoed down the empty lane before slowly fading into the darkness.
Nathan flinched at the sound and stared at the man lying motionless on the ground. "He was already dead."
"I know," Alex said as he slowly rose to his feet, his expression remaining calm despite what had just happened. "Now I'm sure."
He lowered the pistol and, with a practiced motion, made it disappear.
Nathan pulled his blade free from the man's throat and gave it a quick shake before sliding it back into its sheath.
Riya emerged from behind Alex a moment later, her eyes moving uneasily over the bodies scattered across the lane before settling on Alex.
"Are you all right?" she asked quietly. There was still some fear in her voice, but she had managed to keep it under control.
"I'm fine," Alex replied, as though the question barely required an answer.
