By nightfall, the territory no longer felt like it was holding together out of routine. It felt like it was holding together out of effort.
Every movement was more deliberate. Every conversation carried weight. Even the quieter corners weren’t as quiet as they used to be, as if tension had found its way into every space and refused to leave.
Lyra stood near the outer grounds, watching as small groups lingered longer than usual, voices low but persistent. No one was relaxed anymore. Not fully.
“It’s getting worse,” she said.
Kael stepped up beside her, his gaze following hers. “It’s getting closer.”
“To what?” Lyra asked.
“To a point where it won’t hold without direction,” he replied.
She exhaled slowly. “Then we need to give it one.”
Kael didn’t respond immediately, but she could t
