By the time they returned to the compound that evening, the atmosphere had changed.
The Hale summit was no longer theoretical.
It was imminent.
Lucian stood at the head of the strategy room table while the holographic display showed the Hale tower in the center of the city grid.
"This is not a negotiation," Lucian said.
"This is a public maneuver."
Cassian nodded.
"They want Orsini present when the grid shifts."
Dorian leaned back in his chair.
"So, the humiliation is visible."
Valentina crossed her arms.
"They want Aurelio standing in the room when the city loses power."
Aurelio didn't respond.
He was studying the building layout.
Kael tapped the display.
"If Selene is present, the Null Collective will have a secondary objective."
Vesper looked at him.
"What."
Kael met her eyes.
"Testing us again."
Lyra raised her hand.
"I volunteer to not be tested."
No one acknowledged that.
Ronan's Position
Ronan stood near the wall looking more tense than Vesper had ever seen him.
"This is my father's event," he said quietly.
"Security will be tight."
Lucian nodded.
"That's why you're still our best entry point."
Ronan hesitated.
Then he said something that surprised everyone.
"My father expects me to arrive with someone."
Aurelio looked up.
"Who."
Ronan swallowed.
"You."
Silence filled the room.
Vesper frowned.
"That's… bold."
Dorian laughed.
"Bold is one word."
Cassian murmured,
"Predictable intimidation tactic."
Aurelio's voice remained calm.
"Then we give him what he wants."
Lyra perked up.
"Oh good."
Everyone turned towards her.
She grinned.
"I love disguises."
The Plan
Within minutes the room had turned into controlled chaos.
Cassian built entry scenarios.
Valentina mapped light-refraction blind zones inside the tower.
Kael studied the resonance frequencies running through the building.
Dorian volunteered to "handle security distractions," which everyone agreed was both useful and terrifying.
Lyra had already begun rummaging through a cabinet full of old Academy equipment.
Vesper noticed.
"What are you doing."
Lyra looked up.
"Costume planning."
"This is not a play."
"Everything is a play if you commit."
Aurelio finally spoke again.
"Enough."
Everyone quieted.
"We attend the summit."
He looked at Ronan.
"You introduce me."
Then he looked at Vesper.
"You stay close."
She lifted a brow.
"That sounded suspiciously like an order."
"It was."
She smiled faintly.
"Good luck with that."
For the first time that evening—
Aurelio smiled back.