Windsor's POV
The tablet screen flickered as Pauline's concerned face appeared alongside Arnold's perpetually mischievous grin. Even through the grainy video connection, I could see the exhaustion etched in the dark circles beneath Pauline's eyes and the tension she tried to hide behind her hastily braided hair.
"So you're really not coming back?" Her voice carried a weight that made my chest tighten.
I pressed my lips together, fighting the urge to give her false hope. "Not while Sinclair controls everything. I can't."
Arnold leaned forward, his curiosity overriding his usual caution. "Wait, Zion's actually going through with the Alpha run?"
Despite everything, warmth spread through me at the mention of his name. I managed the smallest nod.
"Count me in his corner," Arnold declared, shooting twin thumbs up toward the camera. The gesture earned him a sharp elbow from Pauline.
