STARLIGHT UNBOUND by Deus Ex Machina - HTML preview

STARLIGHT UNBOUND

the day. Makeshift sleeping arrangements lined the walls —rolled-up mats, blankets, and crates doubling as tables. Low conversations filled the space as citizens shared food and tentative smiles, their exhaustion tempered by something unfamiliar: hope.

Jaris and his team returned, shaking the dust from their clothes. “We’ve done some preliminary inspections. Most buildings have power and water, but we shut off the supply where we found major leaks.”

Harun leaned over the map, his grin returning. “We can get the bots on that. Or should we get them to fix more fountains? Or maybe program one to spray Corin next time?”

Jaris rolled his eyes, amusement in his expression. “Priorities, Harun. We’ll focus on getting the roads repaired first.”

Lyra stood, raising her voice to address the room. “It’s been a good start. Power ’s restored, water’s running, and we’ve made space for people to gather. None of this would ’ve been possible without everyone here.”

She turned to Leona, offering a nod of appreciation. “And thank you, Leona, for stepping up today. The citizens needed someone to guide them, and you made it look effortless. ”

Leona shrugged, though a hint of pride colored her expression. “Just doing my part.”

As the group began to disperse, Lyra pulled Leona aside, lowering her voice. “Can I ask you something?”

Leona arched an eyebrow. “Sure.”

Lyra hesitated before speaking. “What was Lucien like before all this? Before I met him? ”

Leona’s glanced toward Lucien, who sat quietly at the far end of the hall, watching the others with that same unreadable intensity. “He was... steady. Still. A little too logical for his own good. But there was always something under the surface —like he was waiting for something to happen.”

Lyra considered the words. “He’s changed. But maybe that part of him hasn ’t.”

Leona smirked. “Maybe you’re what he was waiting for.”

Lyra blinked, caught off guard. She opened her mouth to respond, but Leona had already turned away, heading toward her sleeping mat with a casual wave.

Left alone, Lyra exhaled, the words lingering. She turned her gaze back to Lucien, who had shifted to a nearby crate, head tilted back as he stared at the ceiling.

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