Third person POV
The sun was sinking low over Moonstone, painting the city streets in warm tones. The air carried that early evening hush when the world seemed to hold its breath.
Cassian climbed the stone steps of Ellie’s apartment building two at a time, a small box tucked under his arm—something he’d promised to drop off for the twins. He’d spent the morning on patrol and the rest of the afternoon in council meetings that had gone nowhere.
Seeing his sister always steadied him. Reminded him why all the tedious diplomacy mattered.
When he reached her apartment, he knocked once, waited, and frowned when there was no answer.
“Ellie?” he called softly.
The door opened a few seconds later—not to Ellie, but to Rae.
She looked surprised, but pleasantly so. Her red hair was pulled into
