STARLIGHT UNBOUND by Deus Ex Machina - HTML preview

STARLIGHT UNBOUND

ease.

Harun leaned back in his chair, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips as he watched the footage unfold on the screens. “We did it,” he said, the pride evident in his voice. “They’re finally seeing it.”

But Corin didn’t share his enthusiasm. His voice was grim, grounded in the reality of what was to come. “And how long do you think that’ll last? The Order isn’t going to let this slide.”

Harun rolled his eyes, his tone dismissive but laced with a thread of nervous energy. “Let them try. The truth is out now. They can’t undo that.”

Lyra, seated at the head of the table, leaned forward, her fingers interlaced in front of her. She didn ’t look at the screens; she didn’t need to. Her voice was calm but resolute. “Harun’s right. But so is Corin.” Her gaze swept across the group. “This isn’t over. It’s just beginning.”

Lyra ’s voice came again, softer this time but no less commanding. “The question is, what do we do next?”

***

Lucien sat at the edge of the table, his fingers drumming lightly against the worn surface, his thoughts a tangled web of memories from the relay. He could still feel the vibration of the equipment beneath his hands, the pulse of the system fighting against him, the raw urgency as he pulled Lyra to safety. We’ve lit the match. Now we have to hope it doesn’t burn everything down.

The safehouse’s comm device crackled. Everyone tensed, snapping toward it. Lyra was the first to move, her expression sharpening as she turned up the volume.

The voice that came through was chillingly familiar, calm and deliberate — the unmistakable cadence of a Celestial Speaker. Their words, as always, were carefully chosen, designed to comfort and control.

“Citizens of AstroSYS, do not be deceived. What you have seen is nothing more than the work of dangerous dissidents—an attack on the harmony we have built together.”

Lucien ’s stomach clenched as the words unfurled like a venomous fog.

“These individuals seek to sow chaos and division, to tear apart the balance that keeps us safe. But we will not allow it. Order will be restored.”

The broadcast ended in a burst of static.

Harun shook his head in frustration before slamming his fist against the table. “Typical. They screw everyone over for centuries, and we’re the ones

151