Bab 182: AN OLD FRIEND

Castaneda's expression suddenly softened slightly as he stood up from his meditative pose and took in the hazy figure before him, the shadows shifting just enough to reveal familiar features beneath the veil—a wiry man with keen, piercing eyes and a slight smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. The figure gave a scoff, crossing his arms as he looked Castaneda over.

"Marel," Castaneda murmured, a hint of surprise crossing his otherwise composed face.

"Surprised it's me?" Marel replied with a raised brow, his voice losing its edge as he spoke in a familiar tone. "I'd be surprised too, considering how many times I've called for you over the years. Thought you might finally come by. Just once." His words held a mix of disappointment and an old camaraderie that had been left to linger too long.

A shadow of guilt flickered in Castaneda's gaze, though his calm tone remained. "I never forgot, Marel. Duty—well, it can be a binding thing."