Intro. The rain struck the cobblestones, and gray clouds wrapped the city in a shroud of mystery. Rowan stood at the corner of a narrow alley, his eyes timid yet determined. Misfortune had followed him since childhood; loss and betrayal had become a part of his life. But now, he was no longer alone.
From the corner of his eye, he scanned the sky and noticed it — a shadow watching him from afar. His heart raced, yet he felt a strange sense of safety. It was Lucien’s presence — silent, powerful, terrifying, yet protective. Every step, every breath he took, was for one purpose: to keep Rowan alive.
Rowan took a deep breath. He didn’t feel strong, not really — but there was someone beside him now, someone who would stand between him and the darkness. And maybe… just maybe, he wasn’t alone anymore.