STARLIGHT UNBOUND by Deus Ex Machina - HTML preview

STARLIGHT UNBOUND

The abandoned industrial complex stood in the distance, its jagged silhouette stark against the pale gray sky.

Aarik and Selene were already there, waiting by the entrance.

Selene gave a sharp nod as the group approached. “Perimeter’s clear. No traps, no movement. But keep your guard up. ”

Inside, the space was vast and hollow, filled with rusted machinery and faded safety signs. Oil and dust lingered in the air, thick and stale.

The rebels spread out, taking positions that gave them clear sightlines to every exit.

Lucien stayed close to Lyra, his eyes darting across the space.

***

Footsteps echoed through the complex, precise and deliberate.

Councilor Caidan emerged from the shadows, flanked by two Stewards. His salt-and-pepper hair was neatly combed back, his gray suit impeccable. But his sharp eyes betrayed the truth —this moment was critical.

He scanned the group, lingering on Jaris before continuing forward.

Jaris didn’t flinch. His stance remained steady, arms crossed.

Caidan stopped a few feet away, his hands clasped behind his back. “Thank you for agreeing to this meeting. I know trust doesn’t come easily.”

Lyra’s expression remained unreadable. “Trust has nothing to do with it. You wanted to talk. So talk. ”

Caidan’s flicked back to Jaris. “A familiar face.” He turned his head. “Jaris Teran. The ‘loyal’ Steward.”

“Loyalty means nothing when it’s given to the wrong cause.”

Caidan smirked. “And now you’ve traded one cause for another. Tell me, Jaris —how long before you turn on them too?”

Lyra cut in, sharp. “He’s here because he believes in something bigger than himself. That’s more than I can say for most of the Council.”

Caidan’s smirk faded. He nodded slightly. “Fair enough.”

He gestured around them, his tone measured, deliberate. “You’ve proven you can destabilize the city. The question is whether you want to build something … or destroy everything.”

Corin let out a sharp laugh, stepping forward. “Spare us the philosophy, Councilor. You don ’t want change. You want to keep your grip on the system.”

Caidan was unshaken. “Of course we want to preserve the system. It holds

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