The taxi arrived in Astoria as the evening sun bathed the neighbourhood in warm shades of orange.
Compared to Manhattan, the atmosphere here was much calmer. Family homes lined the streets, each with a modest front yard and neatly trimmed hedges.
Despite the earlier Rift incident, children were still outside playing as though nothing had happened.
Caelus quietly watched the scenery through the taxi window until the vehicle finally stopped in front of a modest two-story family house.
After paying the driver, he stepped out. Sylvia followed him onto the sidewalk, and together they walked up the front steps.
Caelus pressed the doorbell.
Silence lingered for a few seconds before footsteps echoed from inside the house.
The front door slowly swung open.
Standing there was Caelus's mother, Elena. She had warm eyes and a naturally cheerful expression.
Before she could greet her son, however, her gaze shifted to Sylvia.
She froze.
