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He understands.
He’s already lost this room.
They escort him out.
The door closes.
And the silence that follows—
is heavier than anything that came before.
No movement.
No voices.
Just the hum of systems still processing what we just unleashed.
Then—
Lark sways.
Just slightly.
Most wouldn’t notice.
I do.
Always.
I catch her before she falls.
Before the adrenaline drains.
Before reality catches up.
Her body folds into mine—
not weak—
just… human.
“You okay?” I ask, quieter now.
Closer.
She nods against my chest.
Breathing uneven.
“I just declared war on a system,” she says.
Not fear.
Not regret.
Recognition.
I tighten my hold on her.
