STARLIGHT UNBOUND by Deus Ex Machina - HTML preview

STARLIGHT UNBOUND

Selene smirked. “I’m surprised you haven’t already.”

Corin, still leaning against the table, gave Harun a gruff nod. “Go. Get some rest. The Order will still be breathing down our necks in the morning.”

As the others began settling in, Lyra finished arranging the last of the supplies. She straightened, stretching her shoulders, before glancing around the room. Her brow furrowed.

“Where’s Lucien?”

Aarik looked up from where he was securing the locks on the entrance. “He was here a minute ago.”

Harun, already halfway toward the sleeping quarters, shrugged. “Probably off overthinking somewhere. You know how he is.”

Lyra rolled her eyes but didn ’t respond.

Her gaze drifted toward the narrow staircase leading to the rooftop.

“He must be up top.”

With a quiet sigh, she tidied up the last few scattered tools before heading for the stairs, her boots tapping softly against the metal steps.

***

The air was cool and sharp, carrying the sounds of the city below.

Up here, the chaos of the night felt muted —sirens in the distance, the hum of a world still moving despite everything.

Lucien stood near the edge.

The starburst still burned in the sky, a beacon of defiance, pulsing against the darkness.

He was smoking. The tip of the cigarette flared as he inhaled, his sight locked on the horizon.

Lyra stepped onto the rooftop, hesitating before speaking.

“You know those things will kill you, right?”

Lucien turned slightly, glancing at her over his shoulder. A tired, knowing smirk.

“We’ve got bigger problems to worry about.”

Lighting a cigarette of her own, she exhaled slowly. “You could’ve said something before disappearing. Everyone thought you’d gone AWOL.”

Lucien let out a slow breath, smoke curling in the air. “Sorry. Needed a minute.”

She studied him. “You’ve been quiet all night.”

He hesitated, taking another drag. “It’s a lot to take in.”

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