Back at Nexus, Kiara sat alone on the edge of the bed.
The room had gone quiet after Noah left at her quiet request. Outside the window, morning light had fully arrived, bright and indifferent, but she hadn't moved. Her fingers pressed hard against her temples, as if trying to keep her fracturing thoughts from spilling out.
*Alexander Phoenix.*
The name kept circling through her mind, over and over.
Eventually, she stood up and walked to the wardrobe. Without even glancing at the mirror, she pulled out a simple black mourning dress. There was no drama in her movements—just a numb, mechanical emptiness. She changed in silence, then fastened a plain black cloak around her shoulders.
Only then did she pause.
The room felt too still. Her eyes dropped to the wooden floor.
