The first light of dawn barely touched the edges of the city, a pale wash over the rubble-strewn streets. From the rooftop of our temporary safe house, I could see the aftermath of the previous nights’ chaos, burning vehicles, shattered glass, and distant smoke plumes marking where the council had attempted to reassert control. But even amidst destruction, a new threat was forming. Damian crouched near the edge, muscles coiled like a panther ready to strike, eyes scanning every street and alley below. Every sense was tuned to danger. I stayed pressed against him, feeling the twins shift sharply. Each kick reminded me that survival wasn’t just about me anymore. I swallowed the rising panic and forced myself to focus, letting his calm presence ground me. Chloe crouched beside a laptop, finge
