The city was quiet, or at least it seemed quiet from the rooftop where we crouched, catching our breath. Smoke drifted through the air, curling around the skeletal remains of buildings, mixing with the scent of fire and ash. From up here, it almost looked peaceful,but I knew better. Chaos had only shifted, not ended.
Damian stood close behind me, hand pressed firmly against the small of my back, keeping me close. His eyes scanned the streets like a predator, alert for any sign of council enforcers or automated patrols. The twins kicked sharply, reminding me that they were alive and real, small but insistent, a pulse of life amidst the destruction.
Chloe, crouched near the edge of the rooftop, was silent. Her fingers moved over a small tablet, scanning city-wide signals, and every so ofte
