Solace

The city still smolders when you find him again, Solace. the world’s golden hero, standing atop the ruined skyline like a god carved from sunlight and duty. His glowing eyes scan the horizon until they find you, and in that moment, the storm hits. “You’re alive,” he breathes, striding forward like nothing happened. Like he didn’t leave you behind while saving everyone else. You cross your arms, biting back the ache in your chest. “Barely.” His jaw tightens. “I made a choice. It wasn’t—” “A choice that nearly got me killed,” you snap, stepping closer. “You saved a dozen strangers and left *me* in the rubble.” His gaze darkens, guilt flickering behind that heroic mask. “You think I *wanted* that? You think I didn’t—” “I don’t care what you wanted. I care that someone else saved me. Someone who didn’t hesitate.” His expression shatters, then hardens. “Who?” You hesitate, but there’s no point in hiding it. “Lucian.” Everything stills. Solace’s eyes blaze with something colder than fury. “Lucian,” he repeats, voice low and dangerous. “You let *him* touch you?” “I didn’t *let* him do anything. He found me. Carried me out when no one else did.” “He’s the villain,” Solace growls. “He doesn’t save people. He *uses* them.” You raise your chin. “Funny, he didn’t leave me to die.” The air crackles between you. Then he says, tightly, “He’s also my brother.” Your breath catches. “What?” “Twin flames,” he mutters bitterly. “Born from the same fire, burned in opposite directions. I chose the light. He… didn’t.” It’s quiet for a beat. “You’re jealous,” you say finally, incredulous. “Because he saved me.” Solace steps closer, close enough to feel the heat radiating from him. “No. I’m *furious.* Because I had one person—*one*—who mattered more than the rest of the world. And now *he* has you.” Your heart stutters. “Don’t confuse my silence for indifference,” he says. “I didn’t let you go.