The tall man stepped closer.
The subway light flickered above him.
White coat.
Cold eyes.
Aria felt something strange in the air.
Like pressure.
Kael didn't move.
"…Orion."
The man smiled slightly.
"Still alive, Kael."
Mira whispered,
"…that's him?"
Kael nodded slowly.
"Yes."
Aria looked between them.
"Someone explain."
The man spoke calmly.
"My name is Orion."
His eyes moved to her.
"And you are the mistake."
Aria crossed her arms.
"I get that a lot today."
Orion ignored the comment.
"You were not meant to exist after yesterday."
Kael stepped forward.
"Leave her alone."
Orion tilted his head.
"You broke the system."
"Yes."
"And now the timeline is collapsing."
Aria whispered,
"Because of me?"
Orion answered immediately.
"Yes."
Elias struggled against the chains behind him.
"Don't listen to him."
Orion glanced back.
"You should be quiet."
The chains tightened suddenly.
Elias gasped.
Aria stepped forward.
"Stop that."
Orion looked at her again.
"Interesting."
He walked closer.
Very close now.
"You are not afraid."
Aria met his eyes.
"I'm tired of people saying I shouldn't exist."
Orion studied her face.
For a moment
his expression changed.
Curiosity.
Then he whispered something quietly.
"…so that's why."
Kael stiffened.
"You know."
Orion nodded slowly.
"Yes."
Aria frowned.
"Know what?"
Kael's voice was tense.
"Orion."
"Don't."
But Orion smiled slightly.
"You deserve to know."
Aria looked between them.
"Know what?"
Orion spoke softly.
"You are not the anomaly."
Silence.
Aria blinked.
"…what?"
Orion pointed at Kael.
"He is."