The room felt smaller once the door shut. Not because of the walls, not because of the space, but because of him.
Elara stood near the desk, the file still open in front of her, her fingers resting lightly on the edge. She could feel Dante behind her, not touching, not speaking, yet fully present. It was the kind of presence that did not need movement to be felt.
She did not turn immediately.
Instead, she lowered her gaze to the page again, forcing her thoughts into order. Names, alliances, notes written with sharp intent. Nothing here was casual. Nothing was placed without reason.
"These people," she said quietly, "they are not just guests."
Dante stepped closer, stopping just behind her shoulder. "No," he said. "They are leverage."
The word settled heavily in the air.
Elara turned
