Chapter 69. Void Protocol

The headline blared across her office screen: YOU THINK YOU’RE ABOVE US.

Harper froze. The words looped on monitors, newsfeeds, holo-panels. Relentless. Inescapable. Behind her, the glass reflected a queen in name only—poised, immaculate, hollow.

Lucien’s message blinked on her burner:

EMERGENCY. PROFESSIONAL MEDIA TETHER AT 11. ETHICS HEARING TOMORROW.

She stared, as if the message belonged to someone else.

***

The next day, the headquarters auditorium brimmed with press. Cameras flared. Every lens turned toward her.

She entered—head high, arms crossed. Knox sat two rows back. No comfort. Just presence.

The first question cut sharp:

“Director Quinn, do you deny the Ledger breach?”

Her answer echoed:

“No.”

Another reporter clicked their device:

“Did you authorize it?”

She paused.

“I authorized transparency.”

Silence followed—sharp, clean.

The lights felt like heat.

The Council