The rain fell in gusts, striking the shattered windows of the ruined apartment. The scent of burning still lingered in the air, a remnant of the battle that had just ended. Caden exhaled slowly, lowering his arms as the glow of his mark gradually faded. His gaze fell on Bella, who remained frozen, her eyes fixed on the ashes of the silver-haired woman.
He stepped closer and placed a hand on her shoulder.
— Bella… are you okay?
She flinched slightly before turning her gaze to him. Her breath was short, but she nodded.
— Yes… I think so.
Caden held out his hand, and she took it without hesitation. He helped her to her feet, and together, they cast one last look at the spot where their enemy had vanished. The air was still charged with residual energy.
— We can't stay here, Caden declared. This place isn't safe anymore.
Bella silently agreed, then picked up her bag along with a photo of her and Caden, which she carefully placed inside before turning back to him. He held out his hand a second time, and she took it, seeking some stability amid the chaos.
They left the wrecked apartment behind, leaving the shards of glass and overturned furniture in their wake. Outside, the rain continued to pour, drenching their clothes in seconds.
Caden's apartment was modest but warm. The dim lighting created a soothing atmosphere, a stark contrast to the storm rumbling outside. As soon as they stepped inside, Caden closed the door behind them and turned to Bella.
— Make yourself at home, he said simply.
Bella took a moment to observe the space. Everything seemed in order, unlike her own apartment, which was now unrecognizable. She ran a hand through her damp hair, shivering slightly from the cold.
Caden disappeared into an adjacent room for a moment, then returned shirtless, holding a large towel out to Bella.
— I prepared a hot bath for you, he announced. You should warm up before you catch a cold. I'll go after you.
Bella blushed slightly at the sight of his bare torso, but her gaze was quickly drawn to the mark on his right forearm. It bore a distinctive symbol—that of Leo, identical to the astrological representation. Engraved on his skin, it seemed almost alive, as if it contained an ancient energy. Instinctively, she stepped closer and brushed her fingertips over the luminous marking, which was slowly fading.
— This mark… she murmured.
Caden glanced down at his own arm before responding in a calm tone:
— I've always had it. Or at least… as far back as I can remember. It gives me powers, as you saw earlier. But I don't know where it came from, or why I have it…
Bella listened in silence, then slowly rolled up the sleeve of her own right arm.
— I have one too.
Caden's eyes widened as he discovered the mark on her skin. It bore the symbol of Libra, drawn with the same precision as his own.
— You too?
She nodded, a faint smile appearing on her lips.
— Wow… he breathed. Who would have thought?
— I didn't expect it either, Bella admitted. But that means you're under the sign of Leo…
She gestured toward his mark.
— Yeah, Caden confirmed. And you, Libra?
He studied the symbol on her arm, his mind racing.
— This reminds me of the zodiac signs, he added after a moment of reflection.
— That's true, Bella acknowledged. And… I already know a Capricorn and a Pisces.
Caden's eyes widened.
— There are others?
Bella nodded, looking thoughtful.
— My friends and I had our doubts… but now that I've met you, it's starting to make sense.
— What sense?
She took a deep breath before saying:
— It's just a theory, but… what if there were twelve of us? Like the signs of the Zodiac?