Drew's mind dragged him back to that night in the canyon fortress. The shadows had been thick, and his body had betrayed him. His disorder had torn free, and he had lost control. Sage's blade had been raised, ready to strike him down. Then Theresa had stepped in. She had placed a Detox Pill into his hand. The woman he had once cursed as an enemy had not stood aside. She had not pushed him deeper into the pit. She had chosen to save him. From that moment, his view of her had shifted. He no longer saw her as nothing but cruelty. He knew she was not heartless. They were simply on opposite sides. As an enemy, she fought with no mercy. Without that line between them, Theresa was not a bad person. He looked at her now, his eyes heavy with thought. His serious face twisted, growing stranger by the second. Theresa narrowed her eyes. She thought he was about to drag up old grudges. But Drew drew a breath and spoke instead. "Do you still have Detox Pills?" Her brows lifted. "What?" "The ones you gave before. We already used them all. If you've got more, can you spare me some?" Theresa blinked. She had not expected this. "Oh, that." She reached into her space and pulled out ten without hesitation. Of course, points had to be spent. "Here. Take them."She handed the pills to him like it was nothing. She had days left in this place. Drew was her superior. Giving him some cost her little, and it might buy goodwill. Drew took them. His hands trembled. His chest churned like a storm. "You're just giving them to me like this?" Theresa tilted her head. "Of course. We're on the same side. If I've got them, then you'll get them." A laugh slipped from Drew's lips, rough but real. Theresa studied him, surprised by his change. He looked almost tolerable for once. "Big guy," she said suddenly, "you really plan to follow Sage your whole life?" "Of course," he answered without pause. "I treat my people like family. If I get meat, they get bones. If I go hungry, they eat first. No one lays a hand on them. You will not find another boss like me anywhere." Drew stayed quiet. His mouth tightened. Then someone was coming up to them, from behind Theresa. Theresa leaned in, her voice sharp. "Now look at Sage. That tyrant told you to cut your finger, and you did it. He does not even shield his own men. He's cruel, vicious, sly, petty, selfish. Why would you follow a man like that?" Her words struck like fire. But then a calm voice drifted behind her. "Because I saved his life." Theresa froze. She turned slowly. Sage walked toward her, dressed in his tailored suit. His steps were smooth, his fox-like eyes gleamed with sly warmth. "Any more questions?" His voice was soft, but the weight behind it pressed heavy.Theresa forced a laugh. "No. Nothing else." She had drained herself with disguises all day. Her mind was too weak to sense him. She had been caught poaching from him. She waved it off, forcing ease into her tone. "I'll get going." "Stop." Sage's voice was lazy, yet sharp enough to cut. Her shoulders stiffened. "What now?" "I got a file about your aunt today. I brought it for someone." He lifted a page between his fingers. Theresa's breath caught. She rushed forward, trying to snatch it. Sage pulled it back with a smile. His gaze bore into her. "What did you say earlier? Cruel, vicious, sly, petty, selfish?" Theresa's voice poured out fast. "No way! Sage, you've always been kind, merciful, fair, righteous, generous, noble!" Sage's eyes glinted with laughter. "Say something sweeter. What do you call me?" Her jaw clenched. "Mr. Sage." "I can't hear you." Her voice rose. "Mr. Sage!" The shout rang through the air. Sage's chest swelled with delight. His smile burst wide across his face. He let go of the paper. Theresa snatched it up at once. "This is the latest email. The headquarters team will come the day after tomorrow to take your aunt away." Theresa's eyes devoured the lines. Every word etched itself into her mind. The day after tomorrow. Ten-thirty in the morning. They would take her aunt. Time was slipping away.She had to act before they came. "Thanks," she muttered, hiding the paper. She waved her hand once and ran for the dorms without looking back. She needed to prepare. Sage watched her flee, his smile refusing to fade. Drew's voice came from behind. "Leader, it'd be good if Ms. Hall stayed like this forever." Sage tilted his head. "Like what?" "Like not being our enemy." Drew opened his hand, showing the ten Detox Pills that gleamed in his palm. "I think she's the kind of person who'd make a d*mn good friend."