Chapter 138: The project meeting (1)

George leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. It was not exhaustion; it was focus, the kind a soldier needs before a battle.

Damian's voice broke the silence first. Calm, measured.

"I requested the barrier from the imperial wizards a few days ago. It's old magic, anchored into the chamber walls. There are only two rooms like this in the palace." He let that sit. "I don't know how long you have, George. Once you leave this room, the influence might find you again."

George didn't blink.

"I know," he said simply. "As long as Elliot's near, it's not over. He's the channel. The voice Hadeon left behind."

His gaze was clear and steady, unaffected by the possibility that the leash might snap back at any time.

"I was already preparing for it," George continued. "Keeping Elliot away was the only window I had to act freely again."

Gabriel looked at him, his voice sharp but calm. "You knew?"