Behind the ruins of the old building, the silence was almost deafening. Only the sound of the wind brushing past and Alaric's own heartbeat seemed to fill the space. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his thoughts after the narrow escape that had nearly gotten him caught.
The night felt old and heavy. The dim streetlights dangling above glowed like artificial stars, their reflections dancing in the puddles left on the asphalt. Alaric walked without direction, his steps aimless. He should've been far from here by now, tucked away in safety, hiding the item that had almost led to his capture. But somehow, his body refused to go home. There was something in his chest that felt heavy. Unfinished. As if something still needed to be resolved.
