Sunrise painted Manhattan in hues of rose-gold as Sierra and Julian stood on the Mercury Tower's rooftop, wind tugging at their clothes and hair.
Below, the city pulsed—sirens distant now, the chaos of the night receding like a fever dream.
They were alone.
Or as alone as two people could be after detonating half the digital records in the North American tech grid.
Julian leaned against the railing, breath shallow. A healing scar peeked from under his collar. His fingers still trembled.
Sierra stood beside him, silent.
“Why here?" she finally asked.
“Because this is where I first knew I'd lose you."
She turned.
“That night. After the accident," Julian said softly. “I came up here the next morning. I watched the sun rise alone, thinking I could erase you to protect you."
“You almo
