Kai turned back to Lyra. "You mentioned your network has been searching for us. Why now? Why approach us here?"
"Because you're in danger." Lyra's expression grew serious. "You registered at the city gate yesterday as 'Darius and Kael.' Those registrations get reported to the Imperial administration daily. They're compared against watch lists, threat assessments, behavioral patterns. Your profile—father and son, warrior claiming Third Stage, traveling from the west without papers—matches several categories of interest."
"How long before someone investigates?" Chiron asked.
"Already happening. The Imperial Security Bureau will likely send agents to question you within two days. Maybe sooner." Lyra pushed off from the wall, standing straighter. "My network noticed your arrival and flagged
