Aiden Knight's POV
The morning air felt different. Charged. Like the moment before lightning strikes.
I stood at the penthouse window, watching Everbrook City wake up below. Somewhere out there, thousands of people were already making their way to the ancient martial arts arena. Coming to watch me die.
"You left breakfast on the counter again," I said without turning around.
Chloe emerged from the kitchen, coffee mug in hand. "You need to eat something before you go."
"I'm not hungry."
"Aiden." Her voice carried that tone I'd learned to recognize. The one that meant she wouldn't back down. "Sit. Eat. Now."
I turned to face her. She'd prepared everything perfectly. Eggs, toast, fresh fruit arranged with the precision of someone trying to impose order on chaos.
"You're scared," I observed.
"Terrified," she admitted without hesitation. "But that doesn't change anything. You still need fuel for what's coming."
