Fear

"Call off your man…" Gianna said, and every single drop of blood in Nico's body froze. She might have said something more. But Nico did not hear it, fear rendering him deaf and stealing his voice for a few seconds.

When he finally regained the abilities to hear and speak, it was like everything came back all at once. Too much for him to take. His heartbeat too loud, his breathing barely feeling like it was coming from him despite the fact that he could feel the air moving through his throat.

"Gianna, whatever you do, do not let him know that you are aware of him. Keep moving," There was a pause, the chatter of the people out in the street coming through.

"Nico, what are yo-" He cut her off.

"Gianna, that is not one of my people," There was a startled gasp, then she went quiet 

"Nico," She breathed, the fear in her voice evident.