Elena didn’t sleep.
She planned.
⸻
Morning light filtered into her apartment, but it did nothing to soften the cold focus in her eyes.
Leon had become unreliable.
Unpredictable.
Useless.
⸻
That was fine.
She didn’t need him anymore.
⸻
Her phone lit up as she sent a message.
Short.
Precise.
Calculated.
“Phase two. No mistakes.”
⸻
Across the city—
Things were already moving.
⸻
⸻
At the house—
Elara woke up feeling… different.
Not lighter.
Not heavier.
Just—
Clear.
⸻
She stood in front of the mirror, studying her reflection.
Not critically.
Not cautiously.
Just… observing.
⸻
Leon’s words echoed faintly.
You shouldn’t let anyone dim your light.
⸻
For the first time—
She didn’t question it.
⸻
Behind her, Maya leaned against the doorframe.
“You’re glowing
