54. Truce with Shadows

Morning came cloaked in fog, draping the coastal estate in a hush that felt almost reverent, if not for the tension that coiled beneath every floorboard and breath. Salt clung to the windows. Silence hummed like a warning.

Elara stood in the war room, staring at the static-filled feed of the courtyard. Kael hadn't moved from the outer gates all night. He stood in the mist, like a sentinel carved from stillness.

Nova's voice broke the silence. "He hasn't attacked. Doesn't mean he won't."

Aeron stood beside Elara, arms crossed. His jaw was tight, eyes darker than usual. "He's waiting."

Damien tapped away at the main console. "He jammed our comms and spliced into our systems without triggering a single alarm. If he wanted us dead, we would be."

Valen entered, his tone unreadable. "That's not comfort. That's strategy. He's here for a reason."

Elara's hand rested near her sidearm. "Then let's give him one to speak."