Chapter 23

Syria’s POV

It hit me all at once. The sandalwood with a hint of gunpowder. It was unmistakable.

Slowly, I lifted my head, my heart pounding against my ribs. Even though his face was mostly hidden, I knew it was him.

“You-”

Before I could finish, he leaned closer, his voice low and urgent as he whispered near my lips. “Don’t look through the window,” he said. “But listen to me carefully.”

I nodded, too stunned to say anything back.

He leaned in again, closer this time, his scent clouding my senses and grounding me in the moment.

“Here,” he gave me something and it was a receipt.

His voice was firmer now and controlled. "Turn left at the entrance of the alley in three minutes, don't look back.”

Then he let go of me, just like that, and walked away without turning back. He disappeared into the crowd outside the small store, leaving me standing there like a statue. I couldn't move. I just stared in the direction he went, trying to understand what had just happened.

His voice echoed in