The city did not sleep anymore.
Even at night, lights stayed on. Boots moved on the streets. Voices whispered behind closed doors. Fear had learned how to stay awake.
Aria stood by the window and watched the patrols move past.
One group wore white bands on their arms.
The other wore none.
Two sides.
One city.
Kael sat on the floor, cleaning a small knife. He did not plan to use it, but he wanted it ready.
“They are closer tonight,” he said.
Aria nodded. “Yes.”
She felt it in her bones.
Something was coming.
The message arrived just after midnight.
Not from a stranger.
From someone Aria knew.
They took Mara.
She spoke at the square.
They say she is dangerous.
Aria’s heart dropped.
Mara.
A teacher. A quiet woman with tired eyes and brave words. She had spoken once. Only o
