The storm had passed, leaving the city bathed in the pale silver light of dawn. Rain-soaked streets mirrored the fractured skyline, ozone lingering in the air like a whispered memory. Inside the stronghold, remnants of fire and chaos lingered like ghosts,smoke curled lazily from scorched panels, wires hung like metallic vines, and shadows retreated from the corners where battle had raged. The weight of legacy, secrets, and betrayal still clung to the walls, but it no longer bound Justina Ashes. ...