The evening sky stretched above San Diego like a dark velvet curtain embroidered with the first silver stars of night, and the rooftop of the luxury hotel stood suspended between earth and heaven, isolated from the noise of the city below, where sirens echoed in distant streets and frightened citizens whispered about strange symbols in the sky and a future none of them could understand.
Alexander stood near the edge of the rooftop with both hands resting against the cold stone railing, while the ocean wind moved through his dark hair and carried the scent of approaching rain across the city, and despite the calm posture he presented to the world, tension coiled beneath his skin like a restrained predator.
Footsteps approached behind him.
Measured.
Unhurried.
Confident.
Alexander did not turn.
He already knew who it was.
Some presences announced themselves long before they arrived.
