The sun had risen fully by the time the fire brigade packed away their hoses. Morning light touched the snow-lined street, turning frost into glitter, but the cafe stood in stark contrast-darkened, scarred, and broken.

Vedansh's fingers laced with Yahvi's as they stepped through the blackened doorway. His grip was steady, but her steps faltered the moment she crossed the threshold. The familiar space, once filled with warmth and chatter, now smelled only of smoke and ruin.