The tower rose above the city like a declaration rather than a structure, its glass reflecting the dying light of evening in long, cold streaks that turned beauty into something distant, untouchable, and within its highest floors there existed a silence unlike any other, not empty but controlled, not peaceful but deliberate, as though every breath taken within its walls had already been measured and approved.
Celeste Di Maio stood before the window without moving, her reflection layered over the city below like a shadow that refused to be ignored, her posture relaxed though not careless, her gaze fixed outward yet focused inward, as though she saw not what was but what could be shaped from it.
"She's gaining attention faster than expected."
Marco's voice broke the silence behind her, respectful yet edged with caution, his presence steady though his eyes did not linger too long upon her reflection, as though even looking required permission.
Celeste did not turn.
Not immediately.
