STARLIGHT UNBOUND by Deus Ex Machina - HTML preview
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STARLIGHT UNBOUND
who’s allowed to exist and who gets the best life”
Corin let out a bitter laugh, pacing the room. “And what are we supposed to do with this? March up to the Celestial Order and ask them to stop? They ’ll kill us before we get through the door.”
Lyra didn ’t respond right away. Her focus remained on the projection, piecing together the implications, the risks.
Finally, she turned to Lucien, her voice softer but no less resolute. “You took a huge risk bringing this here.”
“I didn’t have a choice. If I’d stayed at the Bureau, they would’ve found out I accessed the file. They’re probably already looking for me.”
Harun frowned, glancing at Lyra. “If that’s true, we need to move. Fast. If they find out he’s with us...”
“I know.”
Her gaze settled back on Lucien, something unreadable in her expression. “You’re in this now. Whether you want to be or not.”
Lucien didn ’t flinch. The magnetism between them charging the air, undeniable. “I know.”
Lyra reached for the chip, sliding it from the projector and slipping it into her pocket. “We’ll verify it. If it’s real, we’ll figure out what to do next.” Her voice was steady, but beneath it lurked something else—determination, fear... and something she couldn’t quite name.
The others drifted back to their places, their murmurs blending into the quiet hum that filled the space.
Lucien stood apart, drawn to the mural on the far wall. The swirling starburst seemed brighter now.
For the first time, he felt like he belonged in the chaos.
***
The room was hushed now, the rebels scattered around the table, murmuring in low tones as they studied the projection and the data Lucien had brought.
Lyra stood a little apart from the group as she watched him. He hunched over the table as the day caught up with him. He looked exhausted – his usual composure fraying at the edges. “You should stay here tonight.”
Lucien blinked. “Stay?”
She nodded, her voice steady. “If the Stewards are looking for you, it’s not safe for you to go back to your apartment. We ’ll figure out the next steps in the morning.”
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