Dawn arrived with methodical precision, the sun cresting the eastern mountains at exactly the same moment the garrison bells tolled the hour. Klaus had been awake for some time, standing at his window, observing the city's awakening. Every shopkeeper opened their doors at the same moment. Every patrol changed with synchronized steps. Even the birds seemed to fly in patterns too orderly for nature.
He had slept little, his mind processing the wrongness of Northwatch—a city functioning with clockwork precision where human inconsistency should exist. Throughout the night, he had attempted to reestablish the fleeting connection to Greed, pressing his fingers against the ring until his skin was sore, but the single word—danger—remained the only response.
A knock at his door announced Alexandra's arrival. She entered with Juron close behind, both already in full combat gear despite the scheduled "tour" ahead of them.
