The tension lingered in the air even after Jessica's words, like smoke refusing to clear.
Everyone still sat in their position, as though the fragile hope Adrius had planted might shatter if they moved too quickly.
Erend finally rose from his chair, his hands resting on the table for a moment before he straightened.
"So I think we should get moving," he said firmly. "Adrius will prepare what he needs. I think Captain Adrien and Billy make sure security around the candidates stays tight. No one goes in or out of that wing unless it's absolutely necessary."
Adrien gave a short nod. Billy's expression hardened with grim resolve.
Jessica lingered in her chair, her gaze drawn toward the door as though she could see through the walls to the infirmary.
"Marcus Vollen…" she thought, the name now sounds heavier than the others. If he was truly the tether, then everything rested on him.
