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The Cold Start

last update Tanggal publikasi: 2026-05-18 04:07:57

The alarm went off at six o'clock, the sharp sound cutting through the quiet bedroom. Elara reached out from under the heavy blankets and switched it off, the room still cast in the dull grey light of the early hours. Next to her, Julian was already awake, sitting on the edge of the mattress with his head in his hands. The absolute peace of the night before seemed to evaporate the moment his feet touched the cold floorboards.

He didn't say much as he got dressed, pulling on a dark sweater and h
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