STARLIGHT UNBOUND by Deus Ex Machina - HTML preview

STARLIGHT UNBOUND

She turned to face them. “This isn’t just a sector. It’s a chance. Don’t forget that.”

Lucien remained silent, his thoughts turning inward.

Down the street, half-buried in rust and time, a skeletal building caught his attention.

The guidance center.

It had an unmistakable structure—though its roof had caved in, and its walls were streaked with age.

This will be it.

Guidance. That’s what we said we’d give them.

But how do you guide people when you ’re still searching for direction yourself?

A breeze swept through the street.

Lucien turned his head toward the sound, catching movement —a cluster of maintenance bots shuffled near a row of broken lamp posts. Their dull, metallic exteriors reflected the weak sunlight, their motions slow, jerky —as though unsure of their purpose.

He huffed, nodding toward them. “Well, at least we’ve got those guys. They look... helpful.”

Corin shot him a dry look. “Helpful? They look like they’re on their last legs. ”

“Fitting, I guess.”

Lyra ignored them, turning back to the group. “We don’t have time for cynicism. The people will be arriving soon, and when they do, they need to see progress. Hope. Something worth believing in. ”

Her words settled over them, their conviction hardening.

This wasn’t just about hope.

It was about proving this could work.

To them—and to themselves.

Harun clapped his hands together, wearing his usual smirk. “Alright, team. Let ’s get to it before Corin has a heart attack from worrying too much.”

Corin grumbled. “I hate you, Harun.”

Harun grinned. “I know.”

The group began to disperse, their footsteps echoing against cracked pavement.

Lucien lingered, staring at the guidance center to be. He could see it rebuilt—bright and bustling, filled with voices, with possibility. The image came like a hologram, flickering against the cold reality of its decay.

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