Song: "Bye Bye Blackbird" plays—Gene Austin, crackling like bones on old vinyl.
Mugat City breathed neon. Skyscrapers stabbed through the smog like broken teeth.
The city was choking.
Lacian Selativ lit a cigarette to make it worse.
"Look at this shit," he muttered.
"Who would've thought I'd get this far?"
The skyline flickered—half glitch, half prophecy.
Then—
"Dad, sorry I'm late."
A girl stumbled onto the balcony, breathless.
"I was out with friends in Aspad."
Lacian didn't turn. He exhaled smoke like secrets.
"That place used to be for the undignified."
She raised a brow. "Huh?"
He finally looked at her. A tired smile.
"Never mind."
She stepped closer. "You okay?"
Lacian tapped ash off the rail. His voice softened.
"Do me a favor, dear..."
"...Don't get too comfortable."