That morning felt different, not because the sky was clearer or the air lighter, but because for the first time, there was no threat waiting behind it.
Sophia stood on the balcony with her hands resting on the glass railing, her eyes watching the city slowly come to life, people walking, vehicles filling the streets, everything appearing normal as if the world had never nearly collapsed.
She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, something had changed inside her, not just because of victory, but because finally, she could stop running.
Soft footsteps sounded from behind. Adrian Blackwood approached without making unnecessary noise, yet his presence was always felt.
He stood beside Sophia without speaking immediately, several seconds passing in a silence that was not awkward.
"It is finished," Adrian said finally.
Sophia nodded slowly then turned slightly to look at him.
"We actually did it."
Adrian did not answer right away, but his gaze softened.
"Not alone," he said.
