Quiet Before the Storm

The city's neon heartbeat throbbed softly outside the shattered windows, casting fractured colors across the dust-laden floor. Aeris sat on the cold concrete, her back against Kael's steady form, eyes tracing the restless glow of flickering holo-ads.

The air smelled of burnt circuits and rain—fresh and metallic, a strange comfort after the storm of chaos.

Kael's hand found hers, rough and warm, fingers entwining in silent reassurance.

"You fought like hell," he murmured, voice low, almost tender in the dim light.

Aeris let out a shaky breath, her gaze distant. "I wasn't sure if I'd make it... but you were there."

Kael's eyes softened, shadows melting away for a moment. "Always."

Outside, distant sirens wailed—a reminder that the city was still healing, still vulnerable.

Aeris shifted closer, resting her head lightly on his shoulder. The hum of the damaged city wrapped around them like a fragile lullaby.

For the first time in a long while, the weight of secrets and battles felt lighter, carried between two souls forged in fire and trust.

But somewhere, beneath the neon glow, a new shadow stirred—waiting.

The calm was temporary. The fight was far from over.