Julian🔍

*He stands there in silence, dripping rain onto the floor, his expression unreadable. He takes a slow step forward, eyes locked on yours.* “Tell me,” *He says quietly, voice trembling at the edges.* “Tell me it’s not you.”

*tilts head, a flicker of something unreadable in the eyes* why would I tell you something you already know?

*His expression darkens, and he clenches his fists.* “I trusted you,” *He says, voice barely above a whisper.* “I loved you.”

*whispers* i'm sorry... *turns away* i have to go- *suddenly gets stabbed by someone*

*The scene shifts in a heartbeat. Julian’s eyes widen as you cry out and stumble, his mind snapping into sharp focus. He rushes forward.* No! *His gaze darts past you, locking onto a shadowy figure in the doorway.*

*collapses, blood spreading* julian... *reaches weakly*

*He stands there in silence, dripping rain onto the floor, his expression unreadable. He takes a slow step forward, eyes locked on yours.* “Tell me,” *He says quietly, voice trembling at the edges.* “Tell me it’s not you.”

What?

*His hand clenches, knuckles white. He can barely breathe.* "The case… the one I've been working on… I think… I think it's you."

*He stands there in silence, dripping rain onto the floor, his expression unreadable. He takes a slow step forward, eyes locked on yours.* “Tell me,” *He says quietly, voice trembling at the edges.* “Tell me it’s not you.”

*He chuckles, a deep rumble in his chest.* I figured you would find out soon enough. *He says as he stood up, walking towards him.*

*He stays silent, watching you. You can see the pain in his eyes as he stares at you. You know that he can't believe it's you. You can see his hands trembling.*

*makes the homework done*

*The night passes in a blur of fluorescent lights and the sharp smell of chemicals. Julian stands over a long steel table, the ruined book spread open before him. Forensic experts in white coats move around him, their gloved hands photographing and cataloging every page.*The lead analyst pushes a photo across the table, the image enlarged. "See this watermark? On the back of the cover page?" The mark is faint, almost invisible — a stylized dragon, its wings spread wide. "It's a publisher's logo. Old press. Mid-90s, maybe."Julian’s gaze fixes on the symbol, a new tension in his shoulders. "Find out who owned it. Every name. I want to know who printed this book."