The first light of dawn barely penetrated the smoke that had settled over the city, turning the skyline into a jagged silhouette of destruction. From the rooftop of our safe house, I could see the remnants of chaos: shattered streets, abandoned vehicles, and distant patrols moving with unnerving precision. The council’s forces had not paused, they had only grown more organized, more relentless. Every moment of quiet was a fragile illusion. Damian crouched at the edge, muscles taut, eyes scanning every shadow. The twins stirred inside me, sharp kicks that made my chest tighten. I pressed my hands to my stomach, letting their movements anchor me, a reminder of what we were fighting for. My pulse hammered in my ears as fear and determination collided. Damian’s gaze found mine, a silent promis
