The dawn smelled of smoke and wet asphalt. The city was quiet now, but only in that deceptive way storms pause before striking again. Aria stood on the edge of the rooftop, wind tugging at her hair, eyes scanning the streets below. Fires still burned here and there, streetlights flickered, and ash lingered in the air like a warning.
Beside her, Lorenzo moved with the ease of someone born to command chaos. Every step, every gesture screamed danger and precision. His sharp gaze flicked to her now and then, measuring, testing, but she didn't flinch. She'd been tested before. She had survived.
"Sebastian's response won't be subtle," Lorenzo said, voice low, almost a whisper carried by the wind. "Expect personal attacks. Expect betrayal from places you think are safe."
Aria gripped the railing tighter. "I've faced him before. I'll face him again. But this time… he won't control me."
