STARLIGHT UNBOUND by Deus Ex Machina - HTML preview

STARLIGHT UNBOUND

restricted or flagged for regular audits. The Spire’s terminal is used only for emergencies—it’s off the grid unless activated manually.”

They don ’t trust me yet. And honestly... I don’t blame them.

***

Lyra studied him carefully. “What kind of clearance are we talking about?”

Lucien pressed his palms flat against the table. “High-level maintenance codes. I can generate temporary access with my Bureau credentials, but we ’ll have a small window before the system flags it as unusual.”

Harun ’s fingers tapped against the table. “How small?”

Lucien hesitated. “Ten minutes. Maybe fifteen if we’re lucky.”

The anxious anticipation thickened, settled over the room like a dense fog.

Corin let out a low scoff from his corner. “You’ve got all the answers, don’t you?”

Lucien ’s eyes flicked to him. “I worked in the Bureau for years. I know how the system operates.”

Corin pushed away from the wall and stepped forward, his eyes narrowing. “Yeah, and that’s exactly what makes this so convenient.” He leaned in slightly, his voice lowering. “All these details, all this access, and you’re... what? Suddenly on our side? ”

Lyra shot him a warning glance. “Corin.”

But he didn ’t stop. His eyes stayed locked on Lucien, cold and untrusting. “We let you in here with nothing but your word. You show up with files. And now you're suggesting we walk straight into the heart of the Spire based on what? Trust?”

“I brought you the proof you needed. If I wanted to turn you in, I wouldn’t be sitting here planning to break into the most standout building in the city.”

Corin smirked, the expression hard. “Maybe you’re playing the long game.”

Harun shifted uncomfortably but remained silent. Lyra sighed, rubbing her temple before stepping between them. “Enough.” Her tone giving away her thinning patience. “If he’s lying, we’ll deal with it. But right now, we need to focus.”

Lucien forced his frustration down. “Look, I didn’t come here to convince you to like me. I came here because I couldn’t ignore what I found. If you have a better way in, then let ’s hear it.”

Corin didn ’t respond right away, finally he stepped back, shaking his head. “I still don’t trust you.”

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