STARLIGHT UNBOUND by Deus Ex Machina - HTML preview

STARLIGHT UNBOUND

it was like this. Like electricity running through my veins.”

Lyra stepped closer, her expression softening with concern. “What does it mean? ”

Lucien shook his head. “I don’t know. But it’s getting harder to ignore.”

Before Lyra could respond, a loud whoosh echoed from outside. They both turned, rushing out of the building.

***

Outside, the old fountain in the square —long dormant and covered in grime— had sprung to life, spraying water high into the air. Harun, who had been standing near it with a group of maintenance bots, was now drenched from head to toe.

“What the hell, Lucien?!”

Lucien burst out laughing as he doubled over. “I didn’t think that was still connected!”

Lyra grinned, folding her arms as she watched Harun wipe water from his face. “Well, I guess it’s working.”

Harun shot them a glare but couldn ’t suppress a small smile. “You’re all drying my clothes.”

The group shared a laugh, the sound carrying across the square as the fountain sparkled in the sunlight.

The sound of approaching footsteps drew their attention. Jaris, Aarik, and Selene entered the square, their arms loaded with crates and bags.

Jaris set down a crate with a thud, wiping his brow. “We brought everything we could carry. Tools, supplies, even a few surprises.”

Selene added, her voice lighter. “And the city feels... tense. People are talking. Most seem hopeful, but there’s a lot of doubt, too.”

Aarik frowned. “Loyalists. They’re waiting for us to fail.”

Lyra nodded. “Then we can’t fail. Jaris, I want you and your team to start checking the buildings for power and water, starting with the civic hall and apartments. Make a list of what needs fixing so the bots can get to work.”

Jaris nodded, already turning to his team.

Lyra smiled. We ’re not just restoring a sector. We’re showing them a future.

***

The group gathered in the civic hall as darkness crept in, signaling the end of

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