The rain fell in thin, silver sheets as Aeris moved through the alley, his boots silent on wet stone. The scent of burned magic clung to the air — something had broken through the veil.

Another breach.

He didn’t expect the demon to double back. Didn’t expect anyone to be out this late.

And he definitely didn’t expect to crash into someone.

He stumbled, caught himself, hand flying to his blade—then froze. The stranger looked up at him, eyes wide.

They saw him.

Not a glimpse. Not a flicker.

They looked directly at him.

That wasn’t possible. Mundanes couldn’t see his kind — not unless they were marked… or cursed.

Aeris narrowed his eyes. "You can see me?"

The question came out low, cautious. Somewhere nearby, something howled — distant but closing in.

Great. A new threat rising, the wards cracking, and now a civilian who wasn’t supposed to exist in his world.

“Come with me,” he said, already turning. “If you want to survive the night.”