After the Storm

The hum of the deactivated NeuroNet core faded into silence, replaced by the distant echo of rain tapping against cracked glass. The city outside was a shimmering labyrinth of neon veins, alive and pulsing beneath the storm-streaked sky.

Aeris sank back against the cold metal wall, chest heaving, fingers still tingling from the adrenaline. The weight of what they'd done pressed down—a victory carved from chaos, but far from the end.

Kael lowered his weapon, eyes softening as he looked at her. The harsh lines of his face seemed to melt away in the dim light.

"You did it," he said quietly, voice almost lost in the stillness.

Aeris met his gaze, the faintest smile touching her lips. "We did it. Together."

Outside, lightning split the sky, casting brief, electric shadows across the room.

For a moment, the world felt still—suspended between what was lost and what might still be saved.

Kael reached out, brushing a damp strand of hair from her face. "No more secrets. No more running."

Aeris's heart quickened. In that fragile silence, between the storm and the city's pulse, something unspoken bloomed—a promise forged in fire and trust.

They weren't just survivors anymore.

They were something more.