Chasing Shadows

Chapter Twenty-six: A Silent Devotion

Ethan thought he’d become invisible. A ghost moving through the city’s veins—silent, unnoticed, unimportant. He convinced himself that no one saw him, that his efforts went unappreciated. The applause and recognition were for Asher, and Ethan accepted it. He didn’t need praise. He didn’t need gratitude.

But there was one person who’d always been watching. Always following his every move with a keen, unwavering gaze.

Zane.

He’d learned to blend in a long time ago. To become a part of the crowd, just another face in the sea of people who gathered to witness the heroes’ victories. And whenever Ethan emerged from a mission, battered but resolute, Zane was there—hidden among the throngs of civilians and officers, his eyes never leaving Ethan’s silhouette.

Every time the cheers rose for Asher, Zane’s focus stayed on Ethan. He watched the way Ethan carried himself, the subtle tension in his shoulders, the way he slipped away before the celebrations began. He watched the way Ethan’s expression grew more closed off, more distant with each passing day.

It broke Zane’s heart.

But he knew better than to approach. Not yet.

---

The precinct was buzzing with activity, officers and detectives weaving through the maze of desks and corridors, their voices blending into a low, constant hum. Zane kept his head down, his hoodie pulled up to hide his face as he loitered near the entrance.

He’d followed Ethan back here, like he always did. Just to see him. To make sure he was okay.

Through the glass doors, he caught a glimpse of Ethan standing by the far wall, speaking quietly with Asher. They were too far for Zane to hear the conversation, but he could see the way Ethan’s jaw tightened, the frustration simmering beneath his calm facade.

He clenched his fists, resisting the urge to intervene.

Not yet.

A few minutes later, Ethan turned on his heel and headed for the back exit. Zane watched him go, slipping out into the alleyway, moving with the practiced ease of someone who was used to avoiding attention.

Zane followed at a distance, careful to stay out of sight. The night air was crisp, and a light drizzle had begun to fall, the city lights reflecting off the wet pavement in a kaleidoscope of colors. Ethan walked with his head down, his steps slower than usual.

Something was different tonight. Zane could sense it.

He quickened his pace, keeping his gaze locked on Ethan’s retreating form as they moved through the maze of alleyways and side streets. The city felt strangely quiet, the usual noise of traffic and chatter subdued by the soft patter of rain.

When Ethan finally came to a stop on a deserted rooftop overlooking the river, Zane hesitated. He knew this spot. It was one Ethan had taken him to once, back when everything had been simpler. Before… everything else.

It was a place Ethan came to think. To escape.

Zane crept closer, his heart pounding in his chest as he ducked behind a vent, peering out cautiously. Ethan stood near the edge of the roof, his gaze fixed on the dark water below. The wind whipped at his hair, the rain soaking through his clothes, but he didn’t move.

Zane’s throat tightened. Ethan looked so… small. So alone.

He wanted to call out, to tell Ethan he wasn’t alone, that someone saw him—really saw him. But he knew Ethan wouldn’t listen. Not now. Not when he was like this.

So instead, Zane stayed hidden. Silent.

Watching. Waiting.

---

Ethan took a deep breath, the cold air filling his lungs. The sound of the river rushing below was oddly soothing, a constant reminder of the city’s relentless motion. Everything felt distant, like he was separated from the world by a thick, unbreakable glass.

“What am I doing?” he murmured to himself, his voice barely audible over the wind.

The missions blurred together, the nights dragged on, and still, the emptiness lingered. He’d thought throwing himself into the work would help—would give him some semblance of purpose. But it hadn’t. Not really.

Because no matter what he did, it didn’t change anything.

“I’m just… so tired,” he whispered, his shoulders slumping.

He didn’t know how long he stood there, staring down at the river, his thoughts swirling like a storm inside his mind. All he knew was that he felt… lost. Drifting. Like a ship without an anchor.

A soft rustle behind him made him tense, his instincts flaring to life. He turned, scanning the shadows, his eyes narrowing.

But there was nothing. No one.

Just the wind and the rain.

With a sigh, Ethan shook his head, turning back to face the river. He must have imagined it. Maybe he was more exhausted than he thought.

“Doesn’t matter,” he muttered. “Nothing matters.”

And yet, he couldn’t shake the feeling that someone—something—was out there, watching him. He stayed there a while longer, his gaze distant, before finally turning away from the edge and disappearing into the night.

---

The moment Ethan was gone, Zane let out the breath he’d been holding, his chest tight with a mix of relief and anguish. He stepped out from his hiding spot, moving to where Ethan had stood just moments before.

The rain fell harder now, drenching him completely, but he didn’t care. His gaze traced the spot where Ethan had been, where he’d stood staring down at the river with that haunted, defeated look in his eyes.

Zane’s hands trembled as he clenched them into fists, his nails biting into his palms.

“Ethan,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “Why can’t you see it?”

Why couldn’t Ethan see how much he mattered? How much his presence, his strength, meant to the people around him—even if they didn’t always show it? How much he meant to Zane?

But Zane knew why. He knew the darkness that had wrapped itself around Ethan’s heart, knew how hard it was to break free from it. He’d been there, too—trapped in his own shadow, believing he was alone.

The difference was that Zane had always had Ethan.

But Ethan… Ethan didn’t have anyone.

“Not anymore,” Zane murmured, his jaw tightening with determination.

Maybe he couldn’t reach Ethan yet. Maybe Ethan wasn’t ready to hear the truth, to see that he wasn’t as invisible as he thought. But Zane wouldn’t give up. He’d keep watching, keep waiting, until the time was right.

Because he did see Ethan. Every bruise, every scar, every broken piece.

And he was willing to wait forever if it meant helping Ethan find his way back.

With one last glance at the empty rooftop, Zane turned and disappeared into the shadows, his heart aching with a silent promise.

One day, Ethan would know.

One day, he’d understand that even the smallest, faintest light could reach through the deepest darkness.

Because someone—Zane—would always be there, cheering for him.
Always.