Ares

The night felt heavier than usual. Sterling Tower gleamed under the city lights, a fortress at rest—but I knew better than to trust appearances. The battle with Evelyn, Camilla, and Gideon had ended, yet shadows lingered. Peace had been hard-won, and I could feel it slipping like sand through fingers.

Leon’s voice broke through the quiet. “Sir, perimeter and surveillance reports are all clear. No immediate threats detected.”

I exhaled slowly but remained tense. “That ...