The storm had not yet broken, but the clouds were heavy—like the city itself held its breath.
Inside the Imperial Theater, the air was thick with tension, even after Fiona had been subdued. Officers moved in and out, securing the scene. But something felt… unfinished.
Ellis knew it.
He checked every shadow twice.
Jonathan stood near the main aisle, arms crossed, watching Flora cradle Leo. Her hands were still shaking.
“You good?" he asked.
She nodded. “He's okay. Just frightened."
“Not just him," Ellis muttered. “There's something off."
And then—
A flicker of motion in the upper balcony.
“DOWN!" Ellis shouted.
Too late.
The sniper's muzzle flashed.
One shot.
A sharp, searing crack.
Flora felt her body freeze.
But the pain never came.
Jonathan had moved before thought, inst
