A web in the dark

The early morning light barely filtered through the cracks in the boarded-up windows of the apartment, casting long, soft shadows across the sleeping figures of Luke, Noel, and Ian. Their steady breathing filled the otherwise quiet space, the comforting rhythm making Persephone hesitate for just a second before slipping out from under her borrowed blanket.

She needed a shower.

Badly.

Careful not to wake anyone, she pulled on her shoes, adjusted the straps of her backpack, and silently slipped out the door.

The city was still waking up, Gotham's ever-present gloom lighter in the morning haze. The streets weren't as crowded as they would be later, which was good—she didn't want to draw attention. Her feet carried her on instinct, and before she even had to think about it, she was back at the Wayne Foundation Thrift Store.

The bell above the door jingled softly as she stepped inside.

This time, the person behind the counter wasn't the bored worker from before.

It was her.

The girl from the rooftop last night.

The one who had mirrored Persephone's movements almost perfectly.

For a split second, their eyes met.

Cass.

The girl barely reacted, only giving a small, acknowledging nod before returning to folding a pile of donated shirts on the counter.

Persephone turned away, scanning the racks for something clean to wear. She grabbed a hoodie, a pair of sweatpants, and some socks before hesitantly walking up to Cass.

"Hey," she said, shifting slightly. "Uh—can I use one of the washrooms in the back?"

Cass barely glanced up before nodding once. "Come."

Without another word, she set down the shirts and walked toward the back of the store.

Persephone followed.

The water was glorious.

For the first time in days, she felt truly clean. The grime, the exhaustion—it all washed away under the warm spray. She scrubbed at her hair, letting herself enjoy the simple comfort of the shower longer than she probably should have.

By the time she stepped out, dressed in her fresh clothes and feeling human again, she felt... lighter.

She moved toward the front of the store, ready to leave, when Cass suddenly spoke.

"Know."

Persephone stopped mid-step, blinking in confusion. "What?"

Cass finally looked at her directly, tilting her head slightly. "You know."

The words settled between them like a loaded gun.

Persephone's breath caught. Her entire body stiffened, instinct screaming at her to be careful. "Know what?"

Cass's dark eyes stayed locked on hers. "That we are the vigilantes from last night."

Persephone's stomach dropped.

Cass didn't move, didn't look concerned. She just knew.

Persephone's fingers twitched, debating whether to deny or run.

But then Cass spoke again.

"I trust you."

Persephone's body froze.

That was not the response she expected.

Cass continued, her voice steady but sure. "You are like us."