When everyone finally walked out — Alina, Ronan, Nova, Commander Black, Vice-Commander Johny — the great doors of the court groaned shut behind them.
The sound echoed across the enormous hall, bouncing against stone pillars and unfinished walls, until the silence swallowed everything again.
Leon stood alone.
His gaze lingered on the door, watching the last sliver of light vanish as it sealed completely.
The torches flickered.
The air cooled.
He inhaled slowly — a deep breath that filled his chest and settled somewhere heavy inside him.
This was the part people never saw.
When everyone finally walked out — Alina, Ronan, Nova, Commander Black, Vice-Commander Johny — the great doors of the court groaned shut behind them.
The sound echoed across the enormous hall, bouncing against stone pillars and unfinished walls, until the silence swallowed everything again.
Leon stood alone.
His gaze lingered on the door, watching the last sliver of light vanish as it sealed completely.
