One month after Victor’s arrest, the warehouse felt different. Quieter. Not because people left. Because they didn’t need to fight anymore.
Julian noticed it first. No new fragments on Chen’s map. No calls for help. Just peace.
“It’s over,” Dara said.
“Or it’s hiding,” Julian replied.
Lily tugged his sleeve. “Teach me something.”
“Like what?”
“Like how to be a hero.”
Julian sat on the couch. His cane rested against the armrest. “Heroes aren’t born, Lily. They’re made by pain.”
“I’ve had pain.”
“Then you’re halfway there.”
The Student
Lily was serious. She sat cross-legged on the floor. Mira joined her. Then Felix put down his guitar.
“A class?” Marcus asked.
“A conversation,” Julian said.
He gathered everyone in the main room. “I’m old. Not dying. But old. And one day, I won’
