Valery laughed, a bright and teasing sound that echoed in her office as Katarine playfully threatened her. She leaned back in her chair, her fiery gaze sparkling with mischief. "Slap me?" she said, her tone laced with amusement. "Oh, come on, Katarine, I'm just helping you expand your horizons. You'll thank me one day."
She waved Katarine off with a grin as the other woman got to her feet, shaking her head in disbelief. "Good luck, Kat. Don't fall for that charm too quickly — he can be dangerous when he turns it on. And remember, training session later. You don't get to skip out just because you're busy."
The lift doors opened with a quiet chime, revealing the lower-level corridor of the SIA building. Sterile, professional, and bustling with activity, the halls hummed with quiet purpose.
Standing at the far end of the space, leaning casually against the edge of the table, was Dean. His dark, sharp features were every bit as striking as Valery had described. His confident posture radiated an effortless strength, and his well-built frame was clad in practical, field-ready attire — a mix of dark tactical gear and civilian touches that hinted at his versatility as an agent.
Dean's piercing gaze lifted the moment Katarine entered, and for a moment, there was nothing but a calculating silence. Then, a faint smirk curved his lips, and he straightened, crossing the room toward her with easy, fluid steps.
"Agent Walker," he confirmed, his voice a smooth baritone laced with a subtle edge. He extended a hand to her, his grip firm but not overbearing. "You must be Master Ryiah. Seems you've survived Va- Master Noble," He was quick to correct himseld, and flashed a brief smile after his quip.
His eyes, a shade of deep, stormy gray, lingered on her for a moment longer than necessary, his expression unreadable but not unkind. "I've read the reports on Black Marsh. Looks like we've got quite the challenge ahead of us."
He released her hand, stepping back slightly to lean against the edge of the table again, his arms crossing over his chest. The smirk returned, though it was faint — just enough to hint at his confidence. "You've been at the case for longer than I have. Could you update me on recent findings?"