STARLIGHT UNBOUND by Deus Ex Machina - HTML preview
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STARLIGHT UNBOUND
Corin leaned back against the crate, thoughtful now. "Well. At least you ’re consistent."
The laughter faded, and the quiet that followed wasn’t as sharp as before. The impact of their decision remained, but something in the atmosphere had shifted.
"I know this isn ’t what you expected. And I know it’s not easy. But I need you to trust me. Trust us."
Lyra stepped closer, her fingers brushing against his. "We’re not asking you to understand," she said softly. "We ’re asking you to let us go."
Uncertainty moved through the group, but one by one, they nodded. Jaris’s expression remained tight, but he relented with a curt nod. "If this is what you have to do … then do it. But don’t expect us to agree with it."
Lucien nodded back. "Thank you."
Corin paused near the door, his sharp gaze locking onto Lucien one last time. "Don ’t screw this up," he said, half-joking, half-dead serious. "You’re leaving a lot behind."
Lucien met his stare. "I know."
Corin smirked, then disappeared into the hallway, leaving Lucien and Lyra alone.
Lyra turned to him, exhaustion creeping into her posture. "That went about as well as I expected."
Lucien let out a short laugh. “Better than I expected."
She smiled, reaching for his hand. "We ’ll figure this out. One step at a time."
***
Lucien and Lyra walked through the sector together, their footsteps echoing softly against the pavement. The plaza was alive with movement —citizens clearing debris, repairing walls, talking in hushed clusters.
"It’s strange," Lyra murmured, watching the people work. "When we got here, this place was nothing but dust. And now… look."
Lucien nodded, taking it all in. The fountains Harun had repaired shimmered in the morning light, reflecting the faces of the people gathered around them. The array tower loomed tall and steady, a silent sentinel over the plaza.
"We did good here," Lyra said, voice soft but proud.
"You did good," Lucien corrected, glancing at her. "This place wouldn ’t
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