We stepped out of the house, the air outside cool and still. After everything we'd learned, it was time to regroup with Ana and tell her what we'd pulled out of Marcus.
I turned to Steve and said, "Here."
I handed him the ring containing the captured Abomination.
He took it, raising an eyebrow. "What's this?"
"I caught some Abominations for you," I said. "Figured you could use it to level up."
He stared at the ring for a second, then sighed. "I'll take it… but I don't like how thoughtful this is. Makes me uncomfortable."
I chuckled. "I'll be sure to never do it again."
Steve nodded, though his face stayed serious. I nudged him lightly and grinned.
"So, how's Ana? You like her?"
He shoved his hands in his pockets and looked away. "Who wouldn't? She's gorgeous, sounds like an angel, and she's a Feran. Kinda hard not to."
I nodded. "Fair point."
He gave me a casual wave. "Alright, I'll go deal with this thing. You go talk to Ana."
"Got it."
