The sky was still dark, the city was quiet, unusually so, and each step I took echoed against the pavement like a ticking bomb. My knuckles met the wood of Evelyn's door. Not once. Not twice. I knocked three times, firm but hesitant. It was early—too early for this conversation. But I couldn’t wait. Not anymore.
Footsteps shuffled behind the door. Then a familiar click. The door creaked open, revealing Evelyn, wrapped in a thin robe, her hair tangled from sleep. Her eyes widened at the sight of me, confusion creeping across her face.
"Nathaniel? What… what are you doing here?"
My throat tightened. This wasn’t just about my mission. It was about everything I couldn’t say when anger got in the way. I took a small step back and bowed my head slightly.
"I'm sorry," I said. "I know it’s too
