Rain streaked on the glass of Glimmer Heights Tower. Ethan stood at the balcony of his penthouse, coat draped loose over his shoulders. The city's lights reflected in the wet streets far below, one hand rested on the rail, his ring dim in the night. Behind him, Jason poured two glasses of dark wine, he moved with calm ease, like when you have that feeling of something about to happen in you favour, his voice calm. "Strange, isn't it? How this city never sleeps, even storms can't quiet it", he said with a subtle chuckle. Ethan glanced back at Jason with what most people would call an unreadable expression. "Storms only shake what's weak, the rest endures, and thrives in what's left behind".
Jason smiled faintly and handed him a glass, their fingers brushed briefly. For a moment, Ethan's piercing eyes lingered on him longer than usual. Jason pretending not to notice it only raised his glass for a toast, "To Juliana's recovery, she's stronger than any of us thought." "Why do you always have to draw attention to the fact that she's strong", "I'm just appreciating her strengths, isn't that what we should be doing?" "I mean isn't it time we started recognizing her capabilities?" Jason said with some dark unsettling reasons behind his rhetorical questions. "Yeah right", Ethan said in response. Jason's loaded questions made him feel like he was on the defensive. "'m just stating the facts, don't be so sensitive, she is strong, what's wrong with acknowledging that?" Jason continued, Ethan tapped his glass lightly against Jason's, but he didn't drink, his gaze returned to the city. "Strong, yes, but someone placed a weight on her path, you believe in coincidence, Jason?"
Jason took his sips slowly, "coincidence shapes half of life, the other half is what we do with it." Silence lingered a while between them, with the echoing sound of rain beating harder on the window glass. "I'm telling you, she's going to be fine, the doctor said she's recovering well," Jason said, "I hope you're right, I just can't shake off this feeling that something's off." "That's just anxiety talking, you need to trust the medical team, they're doing everything they can", "I do trust them, but it's hard not to worry when it's someone you care about." "I know exactly what you mean, but let's focus on the positive, she's getting better every day and that's a fact", Jason reassured him". "You're right, i'll try to stay positive, it's just hard when I feel so helpless."
Ethan turned, stepping closer, his height casting a shadow over Jason, his voice dropped low with a deliberate tone. "We've known each other for years, business, nights in Hollowshade, the circles we shared, i've called you an ally," he paused, eyes narrowing, "you wouldn't do something bad that would affect me, right?" Jason kept the smile on his face, but his grip on the glass tightened just enough for the stem to creak. He let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head, "Ethan, if I wanted to harm you, I wouldn't be standing here drinking with you, you know me better than that", he said as if trying to dismiss the thought.
Ethan studied him, reading his calm surface. His ring pulsed faintly once, like a warning. He lifted the glass finally and took a sip, he lowered the glass and spoke with a flat tone, "I know enough to ask." Jason placed his glass on the table, "and I know enough not to answer insults with anger, we're friends, aren't we?" Ethan's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing, "you think you can just deflect with words, Jason? I've seen the way you look at her, the way you always have". Jason's expression remained calm, but his eyes showed a hint of unease, "what are you talking about, Ethan?"
Ethan's voice dropped to a low, menacing tone. "Don't play dumb Jason, you know exactly what I'm talking about, you've been waiting for your chance, haven't you? Waiting for me to slip up so you can swoop in and lake what's mine". Jason raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement dancing on his lips, "you're reading too much into it, Ethan, I'm just concerned about her well-being". Ethan snorted, full of scorn, "save it Jason, I know you too well, you're not fooling anyone with your pretty words and your calm exterior", "I see the fire burning inside you, the same fire that's been burning for years."
Jason's mask slipped, just for a moment, revealing a flash of anger and frustration. "That's enough, Ethan," he growled with a low and menacing voice. Ethan's smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with challenge, "oh, I'm just getting started, Jason." Jason held his gaze, neither of them looked away. The air between them grew heavy, unspoken truths pressing in, until a chime broke it—the faint ring of Ethan's private comms. He stepped aside, answering with short phrases, his tone business-like, it was a report from Cain, threads of corruption in the blood markets. Ethan listened, then dismissed the call. When he turned back, Jason was already at the door, with his coat over one arm. He offered one last polite nod, "get some rest Ethan, Juliana needs you steady." The door shut softly behind him, Ethan stood alone in the rain-lit room, the wine still burning in his throat. He spoke to no one, his voice a whisper drowned by storm, "I'll find the hand behind this."