In a spartan yet commanding office, two figures defined the space. Heikal, the leader of the New Order, sat behind a heavy wooden desk, his movements economical and precise.
His stark white hair fell around a face that was often arranged in a placid, approachable expression, but his eyes—a piercing, unnatural red—held a calculating depth that betrayed his gentle tone.
Across from him stood Rei, her posture ramrod straight in her formal military-style attire. Her own white hair was pulled back severely, emphasizing the cool, judicial sharpness in her blue eyes, which seemed to radiate an aura of unwavering principle.
Heikal set down the last of the day's reports, steepling his fingers. "The logistical allocations are settled for now," he said, his voice calm and pleasant. "It leads me to a more personal inquiry. Have there been any updates on our dear Beatrix? It's been too quiet."
