STARLIGHT UNBOUND by Deus Ex Machina - HTML preview

STARLIGHT UNBOUND

tonight. But if the Council comes back with an offer, we need to be ready.”

She pushed off the table. “Take a break. Clear your heads. We regroup later. ”

The rebels nodded, dispersing.

Lucien stayed where he was, his mind spinning.

Lyra paused on her way out, glancing back at him. “You alright?”

Lucien nodded. “Yeah. Just thinking.”

She hesitated, then gave him a small, reassuring smile before disappearing down the hall.

Lucien ’s jaw clenched.

24 hours.

That ’s all we have.

***

The city was a diorama.

No whizzing drones overhead. No Stewards at the intersections. No citizens in the streets.

For the first time in as long as Lucien could remember, the city felt … empty.

He and Lyra stepped out of the safehouse onto the street, the cool night air brushing against their skin.

Inside, the debate ignited again, voices sharp and restless. But Lucien had needed a break —and Lyra, as always, had sensed it.

She pulled a pack of cigarettes from her back pocket, shook one loose, then held it out to him.

“Want one?”

Lucien hesitated for half a second before taking it. “Thanks.”

She lit hers first, cupping her hand around the flame, then handed him the lighter.

The soft click echoed in the quiet as he lit his own.

They leaned against the building ’s wall, watching the empty street, their breath mingling with the smoke.

Lucien took a deep drag. “It’s strange, isn’t it?” He said as he exhaled. “The stillness. ”

Lyra nodded, eyes scanning the streets. “They’re holding back. Keeping their end of the deal—for now.”

She tilted her head upward, as if expecting to see a drone materialize from

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