STARLIGHT UNBOUND by Deus Ex Machina - HTML preview

STARLIGHT UNBOUND

Stewards will be on us the minute we breach the perimeter. ”

Corin leaned forward. “How much time do we have?”

Jaris hesitated, then glanced at Lucien. “That depends on how fast he can work. ”

All eyes turned to Lucien. He straightened, hands in his pockets. “Ten minutes. Fifteen if we run into any blocks. ”

Harun let out a low whistle. “We’ll be lucky to hold them off for half that time. ”

Lyra stepped forward. “Then we make sure he gets it. Whatever it takes.”

***

Jaris called the group back to the table. But this time, he wasn’t empty-handed.

A small black case sat open beside the hologram, its contents gleaming under the low light.

Weapons. Compact. Sleek. Designed for concealment.

Harun stepped forward, raising an eyebrow. “Well, well. Someone’s been holding out on us. ”

Jaris ignored the jab, his tone calm but firm. “We can’t rely on stealth alone. When we breach the perimeter, they ’ll respond, and they’ll come armed. If we’re not ready, we’re dead.”

Corin folded his arms. “And where did these come from?”

“Old friends. People who don’t ask questions.”

“They won’t be with us inside, but they’ll be watching. Aarik and Selene— former Stewards, like me—will be stationed near the perimeter, tracking Steward movements and relaying intel.”

“You trust them?”

Jaris didn’t flinch. “With my life.”

Harun whistled low, picking up one of the weapons and inspecting it. “Well, that’s comforting.”

Lyra shot him a sharp look. He shrugged, backing off.

Jaris handed out the weapons, each lightweight enough to carry, powerful enough to buy them time if things went south.

When he held one out to Lucien, he hesitated. “I’ve never… I’m not trained for this. ”

Jaris’s expression softened slightly. “It’s not about training. It’s about survival. Keep it on you. You don ’t have to use it. But if you need it, you’ll be glad it’s there.”

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