By the time they left the port authority building, the rain had almost stopped. The sky was still gray, but lighter now, as if the storm had passed but left something behind. The air felt cold and fresh, carrying the distant sound of ships moving through the harbor. No one spoke at first. They walked together in silence Cassian, Avelyn, Lucas, and Tan each lost in their own thoughts. The meeting had not been a failure. But it had not been a victory either. And in a situation like this, that difference mattered. “We bought time,” Lucas said eventually, breaking the silence. Tan nodded. “Yeah. But Sebastian’s not done.” “No,” Cassian replied calmly. “He’s just getting started.” Avelyn didn’t join the conversation. She walked slightly ahead of them, her steps steady, her expression calm. But her mind Her mind was still somewhere else. “That localized control idea,” Lucas added, glancing at her, “it was good. It gave them something to hold on to.” Avelyn gave a small nod wi
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