The sea of glowing smartphone screens pressed closer, forming an impenetrable, suffocating wall of glass and flashing lights. The low, aggressive murmur of the crowd swelled, the sound bouncing off the marble pillars like a rising tide. The luxury plaza had transformed into a Roman colosseum, and Julian was bleeding out in the center of the arena.
"Step back! All of you, step back!" Chloe shouted, her voice cutting through the heavy air as she grabbed both of my shoulders, physically pulling me behind her small frame. Her hands were trembling, but her stance was iron-clad. She planted her feet, using her own body as a shield to block me from the cameras and the erratic, wild movements of the man across from us.
Julian’s breath came in ragged, hyperventilating gasps. The cold realization
