Chapter 53

Erica awoke the next morning to the muted light of dawn filtering through the windows. Julian was already up, standing near the large floor-to-ceiling window, staring out at the sprawling city below. The tension in his shoulders was unmistakable, even from across the room. The weight of their next move hung in the air like a storm waiting to break.

Sitting up on the couch, Erica stretched, wincing slightly as her bruises from the previous fight reminded her of their presence. She had been through worse, but the aches were a constant reminder of just how high the stakes had become.

“You’re up early,” she said, her voice still thick with sleep as she swung her legs off the couch and padded across the room toward him.

Julian didn’t turn immediately, but when he did, his expression was set, his eyes darker than usual. “Couldn’t sleep,” he muttered, his jaw tightening. “I keep thinking about what’s next. About how far Ophelia is willing to go.”

Erica understood. She hadn’t been able to full