Midnight embers

identity. Ethan. Julian's trusted advisor. Sophia's heart sank. Julian's face twisted in pain. "Ethan, how could you?" Julian whispered. Ethan's smile gleamed. "Loyalty is expensive." Alessia app

's screams echoed. Through the warehouse. As she dragged Julian. To safety. A nearby alley. Sophia cradled Julian. "Stay with me!" Sophia begged. Julian's eyes flickered. "Sophia...safe." Sophia's tears fell. "Never...leave...you." Julian's hand dropped. Sophia's heart shattered. "Julian! No!" The city's darkness swallowed them whole. Sophia's determinati