Edric summoned Soren at eight the next morning.
Not after patrol.
Not through Caelum.
At eight exactly, while Soren was halfway through a breakfast he had no interest in finishing.
The message contained six words.
Beta’s office. Formal uniform. Eight fifteen.
Soren showed it to Wren.
They stood beside the kitchen service counter, close enough to speak quietly while morning preparation continued around them.
“You were careful last night,” she said.
“Yes.”
“No one saw us leave?”
“No one I saw.”
“That is not the same thing.”
“I know who I grew up with.”
Wren looked toward the administrative corridor.
“Do not mention the archive.”
“I had not planned to lead with it.”
“I am serious.”
“So am I.”
Maren placed a plate between them without comment.
Soren ignored it.
Wren did no
