The Qonrad Hotel suite overlooked a city that was still putting itself back together.
Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, construction lights blinked across several districts. A few cranes stood motionless against the evening skyline while traffic moved steadily below, no longer frozen in confusion but not yet fully normal either. Inside the suite, warm lamps softened the expensive furnishings. A half-unpacked suitcase sat beside the bedroom door. Room service menus occupied one corner of the coffee table. Someone had left a folded city newspaper beside the television.
Temporary.
Everything about the room felt temporary.
That included them.
At least for now.
Galathea stood near the window scrolling through her phone while Cael sat at the dining table reviewing reports.
Neither of them were technically working.
That didn't stop either of them from pretending.
A notification appeared on her screen.
The delivery driver was approaching.
"Good." Her face lit up.
