The rooftop was quiet in a way that didn't feel peaceful. The city stretched below them, alive with movement and light, but up there everything felt contained, controlled, like nothing reached that level unless it was meant to. Asher stood near the edge, one hand resting lightly on the railing, his gaze fixed forward without really focusing on anything specific. He didn't turn when he heard the door open behind him. He already knew it was her.
Vivienne stepped out onto the rooftop without hesitation, the sound of her heels soft but precise against the concrete. She didn't rush to stand beside him. Instead, she stopped a few steps away, maintaining a distance that wasn't accidental. There was no warmth in the space between them, no familiarity. Whatever connection existed there was built on purpose, not trust.
"Your plan didn't work," Asher said.
