Morning light filtered into the loft with a soft determination. The space no longer felt heavy or cautious. It felt alive.

I pressed my palm against the cool glass wall, watching city traffic below with calm awareness. It was as though the world moved slower when I was not caught in the chase. Yet today, the stakes were high. The board would convene again. The quiet ethics escalation was in motion. I held my breath and let it out.

Julian entered silently, coffee in hand. He lifted his mug ...