Night settled fully over the northern mid-districts.
Logan left the room after Liora had finally closed her eyes. He did not go far. Just far enough to stand on the narrow fire escape that ran along the back of the building and let the cooler air clear his head.
The cut Ethan had taken in the alley was not serious, but it was the second injury in a single day. The constructs had aimed for him with intention. That fact sat differently now that Logan had time to turn it over.
A soft sound of the adjoining window opening pulled his attention.
Ethan stepped out onto the same fire escape one floor over, close enough to speak without raising his voice. The new bandage on his arm showed pale against the dark.
"You're not sleeping either," Ethan said.
"Neither are you."
They stood in silence for a stretch. The city hummed below them. Distant transports moved along the main lines. Origin barriers glowed faintly along the higher rooftops.
