Chapter 16 : Ego ek ?

The acrid smell of burning incense still lingered in the air when chaos erupted in the arena. Without hesitation, Ego's arm whirred imperceptibly, releasing a dense cloud of gray smoke that quickly engulfed their immediate surroundings. The sudden haze sent spectators into confusion, their shouts echoing off the stone walls.Through the artificial fog, Ego moved with calculated precision. His sensors, hidden beneath synthetic skin, tracked every movement around them while mapping the quickest escape route. In one fluid motion, he reached for Aïma, his grip firm but carefully measured to appear human.

"Trust me," 

he whispered, the words emerging from vocal processors designed to convey warmth he couldn't truly feel. The girl's eyes widened, but she nodded, allowing herself to be guided through the thickening smoke.Narth materialized beside them, his merchant's instincts already alert to the nearest exit. 

"The eastern passage,"