Morning came without peace.
The sun rose over the city, but it did not feel warm. It only showed damage more clearly. Broken streets. Burned buildings. Armed patrols on every corner. People moved fast, heads down, afraid to stop.
The world had changed.
And everyone felt it.
Aria stood on the roof of the safe building and looked out across the city. Wind pushed her hair across her face. She did not move it away. Her mind was busy, racing faster than her heart.
Marcus was free.
That single thought pressed on her chest like a heavy stone.
Behind her, the door opened.
Kael stepped out slowly, leaning on the wall for support. His face was pale, and his steps were careful, but his eyes were sharp and awake.
“You should be in bed,” Aria said without turning.
“I was,” Kael replied. “For
