Love and Hate

Morning Light

The sun peeked cautiously over the skyline, casting long gold streaks across Nightingale City. Troy stood outside the Legion Tower in full civilian mode, hood over his head, duffel bag in hand, heart thudding like a war drum. The Gold-and-White suit was stashed away. For now.

He took a deep breath.

Time to face it.

As he walked through the early morning streets, the world felt quieter… like the city was holding its breath.

Then came a voice behind him.

“Troy!”

He stopped cold.

Jace stood in the middle of the sidewalk, dressed sharp, hands in his pockets. His mask was off. No gadgets. Just Jace.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “I should’ve told you… about the others. About everything. But everyone’s okay. They’re safe.”

Troy stared.

He didn’t blink. Didn’t speak.

He just turned and kept walking.

Jace didn’t follow.

Nightingale Academy