The balcony was huge, extending out well over the edge of the building. There was enough space for an outdoor lounge setup — three sleek couches around an obsidian table.
Since it was the rainy season, the night air was cool and misty outside.
There were only six of us present, sitting in a half-circle overlooking the sprawling Academy City.
The Tower of Apex was visible from here as it was from mostly everywhere in the Ascent Isles.
It looked like an iridescent spear piercing the clouds, its peak lost in the swirling gray fog that promised a heavy downpour before dawn.
I took my spot on the edge of the furthest sleek couch, right next to Michael and Ray, setting my glass of rum down on the table. The polished surface reflected the shifting neon lights of the cityscape below.
Juliana had intentionally chosen the couch opposite mine and was now scrolling through her phone.
