STARLIGHT UNBOUND by Deus Ex Machina - HTML preview

STARLIGHT UNBOUND

A flicker of something passed through Lyra’s expression. Uncertainty, perhaps. Or understanding. Then, she placed a hand on his shoulder, her grip firm. “You’re not the only one who’s scared, Lucien. Fear isn’t a weakness. It’s proof that you have something to lose. ”

Lucien swallowed. “And what about you? Are you scared?”

She hesitated, her hand slipping away. “Every time. But if we don’t fight, who will?”

The space between them shrank, the edges of the room narrowing to just the two of them. Then Lyra stepped back, her face sharpening again into focus. “Check your gear. We leave in five.”

Lucien nodded, drawing in a deep breath. He glanced over at Harun, who was zipping up his bag, stuffing it with cables, a portable tablet, and a device that looked like a modified scanner. “What’s that for?”

Harun grinned without looking up. “Failsafe. If the system flags us too early, this might buy us a few extra seconds. ” He paused. “Emphasis on ‘might.’”

Lucien tried to take comfort in the confidence in Harun’s voice, but it did little to ease the knot forming in his gut.

On the far side of the room, Corin was pacing, his boots scraping against the worn floor. “This is insane,” he muttered, running a hand through his hair. “Walking into the Spire…”

Lyra shot him a warning look. “You’ve made your point, Corin. Either help, or get out of the way. ”

Corin scowled but didn’t respond, settling back against the wall. But his eyes lingered on Lucien, his suspicion cutting through the air.

Lucien could feel it. The doubt radiating from Corin was thick, suffocating. And as much as he tried to push it aside, it gnawed at him. Do they all feel that way?

Harun gave Corin a look of his own. “We all know the risks, but standing here debating it isn ’t going to change anything.”

“I’m just saying… it’s a little convenient, don’t you think? Lucien shows up out of nowhere, drops the biggest revelation we ’ve ever had in our laps, and now he ’s leading us straight to the Spire? Seems a little too perfect.”

Lucien stiffened, his hands curling into fists. “I’m here because I want to help. ”

Corin’s eyes narrowed. “Yeah? Or maybe you’re leading us into a trap.”

“Corin.” Lyra’s voice was sharp, but there was a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes, enough to make Lucien’s stomach turn.

He stepped forward, forcing his voice steady. “If I wanted to turn you in, I

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