–Lore–
When I reached the Nest, Livana was already there—Sky sprawled across her lap as she issued commands with surgical calm. The command center smelled of ozone and warm circuitry, screens casting sharp blue light across her face.
I glanced up at the loft.
Aunt Ines was already there too, sleeves rolled up, fingers flying across multiple consoles like a conductor commanding an orchestra of war.
"Send Bishop White," Livana said, her voice cold and deliberate.
I slid into my chair and took control, the familiar hum of the interface syncing instantly with my pulse.
"Dabu."
Sky pointed at the screen.
I followed where his tiny finger landed.
I don't know if he's a genius—or if the universe just has a twisted sense of humor—but the spot he pointed to was the exact breach point. The hole where our people had removed the drive and discarded it during the evacuation.
And then I saw him.
A man who hadn't followed the others into the panic room.
He stayed behind.
