Victor, seeing the subtle shift in Elias’s demeanor, tightened his grip, pulling him firmly towards the exit.
"He's stalling, Architect," Victor warned. "Trying to plant seeds of doubt. We must get him to detention."
I simply nodded, my gaze still fixed on Elias as he was led away, his words echoing in my mind. Chimera serves a greater purpose. The true architects of global stability. He was still manipulating, still playing the long game, even in defeat.
The room fell silent once more, save for the distant hum of the now re-stabilised facility. Selena approached me, her hand gently touching my arm.
"Are you alright, Henry?" she asked, her voice soft with concern, her eyes searching mine for answers.
I took a deep breath, the lingering pain in my side a dull throb. "I am now, Selena.
