The rooftop of the Vanguard Memorial Hospital chilly. Far below, the city was spread out in grids of neon light, the sound muffled by the height of the VIP wing. The wind here was biting through the thin fabric of Adrian's shirt, but he didn't move.
Lucian stood ten feet away, his back to the ledge. He was on a secure line, his voice a low hum that blended into the wind. He was issuing orders—locking down borders, rerouting the Vanguard's liquid assets, preparing the Black House for the political siege the Council had just initiated.
After the bloodline test announcement, the world felt like it was accelerating toward a cliff.
Lucian clicked his phone shut. He didn't turn around immediately. He stood looking out at the skyline he ruled, his silhouette outlined perfectly against the glowing horizon.
Adrian broke the silence first.
"You didn't hesitate this time." Adrian said.
