Cassian Vale

Rain pressed softly against the windows of the coffee shop, tracing uneven paths through the reflections of city lights outside. Midnight had settled over the streets hours ago, washing everything in silver and gold. Traffic had thinned into occasional passing headlights, and the city itself felt quieter, like it had finally exhaled after carrying the weight of the day. Inside, warmth wrapped around the room. The low hum of conversations blended with quiet music overhead while the espresso machine hissed occasionally behind the counter. Scattered around the café were half-finished drinks, and people chasing deadlines they had probably promised themselves they would finish hours ago. Cassian sat near the back, where the lighting softened and fewer people bothered looking his way. His sui