[Ray's POV]
I inhaled slowly, the fragrant steam from the hotpot filling my lungs, and exhaled just as deliberately. I needed a moment to order the dark, puzzle-like pieces I'd collected in that grim alley. I reached for my glass of water, the cool ceramic a solid anchor, and took a long drink. The water was clean, tasteless, a stark contrast to the complex flavors on the table. Setting the glass down with a soft thud on the wooden tabletop, I lifted my gaze and looked directly into Ace's silver eyes.
