STARLIGHT UNBOUND by Deus Ex Machina - HTML preview

STARLIGHT UNBOUND

Lucien ’s heart pounded. He forced himself to keep typing, ignoring the threat. Finish it. Don’t stop.

The second Steward raised his weapon, aiming at Lyra. She tensed, her muscles coiled to strike, but Lucien moved first.

Without thinking, he lunged, slamming his body into the Steward with all his strength. They hit the wall hard, the Steward’s weapon clattering to the floor as Lucien grunted in pain.

The first Steward turned at the commotion, but Lyra was already moving. The hilt of the knife struck the back of his neck with precise force, sending him crumpling to the floor.

Lucien staggered back, his shoulder screaming in protest. Lyra grabbed his arm, her eyes wide. “Are you okay?”

He nodded, breathless. “I’m fine. Just—finish the upload.”

Lyra hesitated, then turned to the terminal. The progress bar flashed green, the final file uploading as the alarm shifted to a higher, more urgent pitch.

Harun yanked the data drive free, his voice strained. “We need to go! Now!”

The pounding footsteps in the corridor grew louder, closing in fast. Lyra took point, leading them through the secondary access route. Harun disabled the last of the monitors as they ran, the relay ’s hum fading behind them.

Lucien kept pace, ignoring the fire in his muscles. The cool night air hit them like a wave as they burst through the final hatch, emerging into the labyrinth of alleys beyond the relay.

Corin ’s voice crackled in their ears. “I’ve got a route for you. Head east and stay low. They’re sweeping the area fast.”

Lyra glanced at Lucien, her breath ragged but steady. “We’re not done yet. Keep moving.”

Lucien nodded, his heart still hammering in his chest as they disappeared into the shadows.

***

The broadcast played at every interface in the city —public squares, train terminals, sleek holo-billboards, and private wrist devices. The truth was no longer hidden in encrypted files or whispered conspiracies. It was there, raw and undeniable, scrolling across screens in bold, unrelenting clarity.

In the upper districts, the response was quieter but no less volatile. Elegantly dressed citizens gathered in hushed clusters beneath the shimmering

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