The city held its breath.
No one spoke.
No one moved.
Hundreds of people stood in the open square, facing the tall building where Evelyn Cross watched from above. The night air felt heavy. Lights flickered. Power was weak.
Aria stood at the front of the crowd.
Kael was beside her.
Their hands were close but not touching.
This was bigger than them now.
Evelyn looked down from the balcony. Her face was calm, but her eyes were sharp. She did not expect this many people. Not without weapons. Not without anger.
Just people.
Standing.
Waiting.
“You should go inside,” a guard whispered to Evelyn.
“No,” Evelyn replied. “This is my city.”
She stepped forward.
The crowd stirred.
Aria lifted her voice.
“We are not here to fight,” Aria said. “We are here to choose.”
The words moved t
