The scent of rain still lingered in the air as you stepped into the dimly lit government office. Papers rustled somewhere behind the frosted glass, but what struck you first wasn’t the silence—it was her.

She stood by the window, backlit by the fading light of day. Auburn hair braided neatly down her back, golden eyes catching the glow like they were lit from within. She didn’t smile. She didn’t need to.

“You’re the one they sent?” Makima asked, her voice calm, almost warm—but with an edge sharp enough to draw blood.

You managed a nod, feeling suddenly much smaller than you were moments ago. Her gaze didn’t waver as she walked forward, heels tapping softly against the floor.

She stopped inches from you. “Good,” she said, tilting her head slightly. “I’ve been waiting.”

You didn’t know why, or for what, but somehow… those words sounded final. Like a story had started the moment she said them—one that you wouldn’t be writing alone anymore.