Forty four.

DAMIAN

I placed my phone screen down after responding to Ishtar's texts, and I was still curious as to whom she was letting in, but some issues were more pressing— like the situation that I was in right now.

That wait wasn't over, and from the look of things, it didn't seem like it'd end anytime soon. I was pulsating in my seat, my feet relentlessly tapping as I waited in the quiet restaurant. The paper was crumpled up in my hand, and I straightened it, trying to see if there was any information I needed.

It felt like I was so close, but I had also taken a few steps back. I barely even understood what was going on anymore, and that somehow granted me the strength to wait longer— because I knew that I had to find answers; there wasn't a way in hell I'd leave with nothing. I'd spend the night here if I had to.

As desperation was always followed by frustration, my blood seemed to boil hotter as minutes passed by. My legs wouldn't stop shaking either, so I stood up and began to rummage