Author's Opening Note:
Hi family! We are officially CONTRACTED! To celebrate, I'm taking you back a few days to Chloe's first night in Asher's fortress. Before the hospital confrontation you're all waiting for, I sat down with our leads to ask the questions burning in your hearts. Let's look at the tension behind those closed doors.
Setting the Scene: The Fortress at 3 AM
The silence in the Vane fortress isn't peaceful; it's heavy. The marble floors are cold, reflecting the dim security lights that blink like watchful eyes. Chloe sits in the library, the scent of old books a sharp contrast to the sterile hospital smell she's used to. Upstairs, her son is sleeping, protected by guards he doesn't know are there.
Across from her, Asher sits enveloped in shadows. He hasn't changed out of his suit. He looks like a man who has seen the afterlife and decided he didn't like the view.
1. The Interview: Chloe (The Architect of her own Death)
