The storm that had been brewing for weeks finally broke. Malia stared at the glowing city outside her office window, the twinkling lights of the skyline mocking her. She wrapped her arms around herself, trying to fight the cold creeping into her chest, though the room was plenty warm. It wasn't the temperature. It was Evelyn—always Evelyn—suffocating her with unseen hands.
Reports and fabricated accusations had flooded the media, each one more damning than the last. Malia had read every word of them, dissecting the lies and half-truths, but it didn't change the fact that Evelyn was winning the war of public opinion. Worse, it was working.
Behind her, Nixus's voice broke the silence. "You've been up here all night."
Malia didn't turn around. "I can't afford to sleep right now."
"You said that last night," Nixus said, softer this time. She heard the floor creak as he stepped closer. "And the night before. This isn't sustainable, Malia. You know that."