Chapter 16: Ch 16: The Championship- Part 1
Nova watched Anna from a distance, noting the subtle tension in her shoulders as she shifted coins in her palm, her brow furrowed slightly.
The bag in her hands felt too light, and Nova knew the look of someone calculating losses. The weight of paying for the inn had clearly drained her, but pride kept her from saying anything.
He stepped closer and Anna flinched slightly, startled. Then she looked up, quickly hiding her worry behind a forced smile.
"I got us a place to stay. Only for two days, though."
She said, her voice light.
Nova pulled a handful of credits from his coat and handed them to her.
"Use this."
"I have my own money. You already saved me. I don’t need—"
She said quickly, shaking her head.
"This is mission funding, not charity.
Nova cut her off, his tone flat.