"You're going to explain how you did that," Marlen said, finally finding her voice as she turned away from the burning horizon. "After we get back to the Strongholds."
Her tone was sharp, but beneath it—exhaustion, disbelief, and maybe a trace of awe.
"Sure," Cendric muttered, staggering slightly.
As soon as he faltered, hands reached out to catch him. The group closed ranks around him silently but walking forward.
Together.
————
Back at the Stronghold, I walked into the command room, my steps echoing softly against the floor.
Much of it had been repaired. The students had done well—wiring restored, panels upright, most of the screens blinking back to life. I made my way to the center and lowered myself into the command chair.
My body eased into it, but the warmth beneath me felt wrong. Unnatural. Like a memory soaked into the metal. Maybe it was the residue of Vera's cruelty… or something worse.
I leaned back, exhaling.
