The city stretched below like a restless organism veins of light, arteries of sound, each pulse echoing the turmoil in Alexander’s chest. Rain streaked the penthouse windows, blurring the skyline into trembling shapes. The storm hadn’t been forecasted, but then again, neither had this conversation.

Amelia stood a few steps away, her back to him, framed by the glass. The reflection of the city lights rippled across her face, soft and fractured. She didn’t turn when she spoke.

“You ...