Rain fell softly over the lower district, blurring neon signs into bleeding colors. The city never truly slept, but at this hour it whispered engines humming low, alley lights flickering like tired eyes.
A small apartment building stood wedged between a noodle shop and a pawned cyber kiosk on the third floor. One window is lit.
Inside, Aysh sat on the edge of the couch, spine straight, hands folded with careful precision. She wore a loose sweater, sleeves hiding the faint scars on her wrists. Her eyes stayed on the door. Not anxious controlled. Waiting.
The clock ticked.
Click.
The door opened. Cold air rushed in.
Mando stepped inside, shoulders slumped, work jacket half-soaked. His boots left wet marks on the floor before he noticed and toed them off with an embarrassed grunt.
AYSH You're late. You must be exhausted.
She stood at once, took his jacket before he could answer, and hung it neatly. Too neatly.
MANDO Sorry… overtime again.
She smiled softly, practiced. But her eyes lingered a fraction too long on the door, as if counting how many seconds he'd taken to lock it.
AYSH Go take a bath. I'll heat the dinner.
Mando nodded and passed her. Halfway down the hall, something made him stop. He glanced back.
Her smile had already faded.
Steam filled the bathroom, fogging the cracked mirror. Mando leaned against the tile, letting hot water drum against his face.
MANDO (thought) She's been different lately.
Quieter. Careful.
Like someone walking through a minefield, she mapped herself.
Dinner was waiting when he returned. Perfectly arranged. Balanced portions. His favorite spice blend.
Too perfect.
They sat across from each other, the small table feeling smaller than usual.
MANDO Aysh… is something wrong?
She froze. Just half a second.
Then the smile returned.
AYSH Nope. I'm fine. Why would you ask that?
Her eyes didn't meet his.
MANDO Just… felt like asking.
She reached across the table and took his hand. Warm. Steady.
Her grip was tight.
Night settled.
Mando slept.
Aysh stood by the window, city lights painting her face in shifting blues and reds. Her communicator pulsed silently, insistent.
UNKNOWN Your sister is alive.
A second message followed instantly.
UNKNOWN Obey, or she dies.
Aysh's fingers trembled. She closed her eyes.
AYSH (whisper) …I'm sorry.
Outside, far beyond the lower district, something ancient stirred beneath the city's steel bones.
The first weapon system dreamed of waking.
End of Chapter 1