Chapter 44: Angela Zane
The sun was hidden behind a layer of white clouds, a common occurrence for the inhabitants of Skyreach, but the out-of-season soft snowfall did not happen every day.
The flakes danced slowly through the thin, chilled air, gently settling on ledges, railings, and the shoulders of passersby who rarely bothered to look up.
Still, day-to-day life in the massive city carried on without pause. Far below the clouds and walkways, the common people went about their daily routines, heading to their work towers, workshops, and service sectors.
The wealthy, meanwhile, indulged themselves in layers of elevated comfort, from watching duels fought between trained champions to gambling over board games or savoring the finest cuisine the empire could offer, served in glass-walled lounges high above the street.
In one of the city’s towering high-rise hotels, an opulent structure of white marble, glass, steel, and gilded walkways, a wide-open balcony overlooked the lower city spires.
Snow collected faintly along the edges of its polished floor, undisturbed by wind.
There, seated in the farthest corner of the balcony, a man dressed in black sat alone, his table protected by an invisible veil that prevented the snow from touching him.
His cloak was deep midnight in color, lined with fur along the collar and cuffs. Snowflakes quietly rested on his shoulders, caught in the fabric and hair, but he seemed unbothered.
He sat still, his posture relaxed and unreadable, quietly enjoying his food as though the cold did not exist.
In front of him was a simple plate modestly arranged with a serving of seasoned and firm brown rice dotted with small chunks of browned meat. Besides, a bowl of spicy yogurt steamed faintly in the chill.
While he enjoyed his food, the balcony doors slid open, and a moment later, a tall figure stepped through.